Randy de Puniet has pledged to race on at Brno this weekend despite suffering from the after effects of his accident at Laguna Seca. The Frenchman suffered fractured vertebrae as well as trauma to the pelvis during qualifying three weeks ago, forcing him to miss the race.
After an improvement in performance, De Puniet admitted to feeling devastated that he couldn't take the start on his Pramac Ducati and is determined to do whatever it takes to race this weekend.
“Missing the race at Laguna Seca was very difficult for me to accept, especially after the hard work carried out during practice and qualifying. During the past couple of weeks, I visited the doctor to better understand the situation with my pelvis. Fortunately, there are no fractures, but the pain still hasn't gone away. I underwent, and am still undergoing, daily therapy in order to be ready for Brno. The bike had responded well to input in recent races, and it would be a shame not to take full advantage of this positive moment for us with the bike.”
Teammate Loris Capirossi is still recovering from his own injury after his heavy crash at Assen, causing him to miss three races. The Italian made his return in the United States but is still short of full fitness and has revealed that he is ignoring doctor's advice by continuing to ride.
“Unfortunately, the shoulder problem is persisting. The doctor said I should undergo surgery, but I'll only consider that after the championship. For now I'm undergoing therapy every day. For Brno I hope to continue improving my physical condition. I've rested during this two-week break, which I really needed. I want to ride well and to finally have a good result. The Czech track is one of my favourites, so hopefully I'll manage that.”
Pramac Racing's Technical Director Fabiano Sterlacchini has bemoaned the team's injury curse but is hopeful his riders will bravely race on this weekend.
“We come to Brno after a break of a couple weeks, although our two riders, Loris Capirossi and Randy De Puniet, certainly won't be at 100%. Loris continues to undergo daily therapy on his shoulder. After the miracle at Laguna Seca, where he managed to finish the race, there's hope that he'll be better. Randy's condition is still uncertain. The fractures that he suffered are quite painful, but he has the will to race. He's not taking anti-pain medication these days, but maybe he will if he decides to ride. Brno is a very nice circuit, even if there are some particular spots to consider—fast changes of direction, so the bike will have to be stable.”