Moto3: Injured Ajo out of Sachsenring
Niklas Ajo will not be fit for this weekend's German Moto3 Grand Prix and will be replaced at the Avant Tecno Husqvarna team by Spanish CEV rider Gabriel Rodrigo.
Ajo required surgery after fracturing his ankle at Assen.
"We knew it was very difficult and we tried until the last moment, but eventually it will not be possible to ride in Germany," said the Finn. "It's a shame but this is the smart choice and the right one to continue the season in the best way possible.
"Now we should not think about Germany, but instead turn our focus to Indianapolis, looking to perform as we have done at recent races. Now I need to work on my rehabilitation and start the second part of the season as if nothing had happened. I wish good luck to Gabriel Rodrigo this weekend."
Argentinean Rodrigo will be making his third grand prix start after wild-card appearances at Jerez and Catalunya earlier this year.
"I am very happy to be riding at my third Grand Prix and to be able to do on this team; it's sure to be an unforgettable experience," he said. "Finding out this great news was a great motivation, after the disappointment at the most recent round of the FIM CEV. I can't wait to ride the Husqvarna and show what I can do.
"Sachsenring is somewhere I have never ridden, but I am spending many hours with videogame to get as prepared as possible. From what I've seen, I think it could be pretty good for me because it has very fast sections. The first objective will be to adapt as quickly as possible to the team, the bike and the circuit and later to try to enter the points. I want to thank Ajo Motorsport and all those involved for giving me this opportunity."
Rodrigo will join regular Husqvarna rider Danny Kent, currently tied with Ajo for 13th place in the championship.
"The Sachsenring is a track that I like, so we have to go there, work hard and improve on the weekend in the Netherlands," said the Briton. "At Assen I had my best performance of the year, but it's not enough. The Sachsenring is not the circuit that best suits my riding style, but it's also not the worst for me as there are some fast corners."
