Canepa continues as Guintoli stand-in at Pata Yamaha

Niccolo Canepa has retained his ride in the World Superbike championship at Laguna Seca this weekend as he will continue to act as replacement for the injured Sylvain Guintoli.

The 2014 World Superbike is still recovering from a broken ankle over the summer break having initially been pencilled in for a return at Misano last month, but due to the extent of his injury Guintoli has been forced to miss the past five rounds.

Guintoli suffered a nasty high-side off during qualifying at Imola on the 30th April in which he sustained a broken ankle, multiple contusions and concussion.

After Cameron Beaubier filled in for Guintoli at Donington Park Canepa was handed the role at Misano where he notched up impressive results with seventh and ninth place finishes.

After also enjoying an in-season test at the same track after the Italian round, Canepa will once again act as stand-in alongside regular rider Alex Lowes.

"I'm very excited to race again with the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team," Canepa said. "I had a great weekend in Misano at the debut, and I'm sure I can try to do a better result in Laguna.

"After the Misano tests I feel more comfortable on the YZF-R1 and really enjoyed discovering the latest improvements."

Having previously competed in World Superbikes with Althea Ducati, Red Devils Roma Ducati and Erik Buell Racing, Canepa has useful experience at Laguna Seca and is relishing the prospect of returning to action at the iconic American track.

"I literally love the Laguna circuit and the atmosphere of the US round, so I'm 100% motivated and ready," he said. "Thanks again to Yamaha and to the Crescent Team for this opportunity. I can't wait to get started."

Guintoli is expected to return to action for Pata Yamaha after the summer break in Germany at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz on the 16-18 September.