The Avintia MotoGP team has confirmed Xavier Simeon will take over Tito Rabat's GP17 Ducati for this weekend's Misano race, while Christophe Ponnson will run Simeon's machinery.
Rabat suffered a horrific triple-fracture to his right leg when he was struck by Franco Morbidelli's Marc VDS Honda following a crash at Stowe during a wet FP4 at Silverstone.
The Spaniard was taken to hospital in Coventry for “emergency surgery”, but his since returned home to Barcelona to begin recovery – though no return date has been set yet.
With options with enough experience to replace Rabat limited, and the length of his absence unknown, Avintia has given Simeon the Spaniard's year-old Desmosedici, while CEV Superbike rider Ponnson will make his MotoGP debut aboard Simeon's GP16.
“I’m super happy and excited,” said Ponnson. “I really want to get on the bike. Racing in MotoGP is the dream of any rider and I still can not believe that on Friday I will be on track with the riders I see from home every weekend.
“I always try to learn from them on TV and now I can do it on the track! I am happy! I am 22 years old and this opportunity is something incredible.
“I know it will be difficult and I will have to learn many things in a very short time, the bike, the carbon brakes, the Michelin tires, but I am willing to enjoy and learn.
“I will try to give my best on the bike and I hope to reward the team and all those who have helped me to fulfil my dream.”
Simeon – who looks set to exit the series at the end of this year following a lacklustre rookie campaign – is thankful for the opportunity to ride a more competitive machine, and hopes to get as close to Rabat's level as possible this weekend.
“The first thing is to wish Tito the best and fastest recovery, he is a great guy and I hope he comes back very soon.
“But I cannot hide that I’m very happy to get on his bike. Tito has done great things this year and for me it is a great opportunity to get on the GP17, I will try to give the maximum and I hope to get as close as possible to his level.
“I want to thank the team and Zelos [management company] for making it possible. I hope that Tito recovers soon and I have to open full gas to take advantage of this opportunity.”
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