Despite recent comments to the contrary, reigning double World Supersport champion Sebastien Charpentier will not be fit for this weekend's Valencia round - and has been replaced by Andrew Pitt.

Former World Supersport champion and WSBK race winner Pitt lost his Yamaha Italia SBK seat to countryman Troy Corser at the end of last season, and had been left without a 2007 ride following the sudden withdraw of Ilmor from MotoGP.

Charpentier was injured during a free practice fall at Donington Park two weeks ago and underwent further tests this morning (Wednesday) to determine whether he would be fit to ride in Valencia. However, X-rays showed a small fracture to his coccyx that is adding to the pain of his pelvic injury.

The Frenchman is nevertheless healing well and aims to be back with the Hannspree Ten Kate Honda in time for fifth round of the championship in Assen in two weeks time - but his chances of a third consecutive title are now surely over.

"Of course we are all as disappointed as Sébastien that he is not back with us for Valencia," said team manager Ronald ten Kate. "His intense pain was continuing so we decided to do another scan early this morning. From these scans the medical team found a small fracture of the bone at the bottom of the spine. This at least explains why he is in so much pain. I will be speaking with him everyday and we will have an update on his recovery on Friday. Hopes are high that he will be back with us in time for Assen. Replacement rider Andrew Pitt will bring his wealth of experience to the race this weekend. Andrew is a force to be reckoned on any bike and without putting pressure on him or his crew, we are aiming for a top five result."

Charpentier's young team-mate Kenan Sofuoglu currently leads the World Supersport standings by a massive 27-points heading into this weekend's race.