Mattia Pasini to replace injured Khairul Idham Pawi during next races

The Italian rider has been chosen by PETRONAS Sprinta Racing to stand in for the injured Khairul Idham Pawi, starting with the next round at Le Mans.

In response to Khairul Idham Pawi’s injury at the Spanish GP and the need to find a replacement rider for the upcoming Moto2 World Championship rounds, whilst the Malaysian recovers from a fracture to his finger, PETRONAS Sprinta Racing have chosen Mattia Pasini as their stand-in. Khairul Idham Pawi underwent surgery on Saturday in Barcelona, with favourable results.

Thirty-three year old Pasini has a wealth of experience in the World Championship. Since his debut in 2004, he has competed in four different classes – 125cc, 250cc, Moto2 and MotoGP – with a total of 12 victories, 19 pole positions and a further 18 podiums throughout the 228 Grands Prix he has contested.

With seven full seasons in the Moto2 class to his name, Pasini will undertake his first race for PETRONAS Sprinta Racing at Le Mans in just under a fortnight’s time. However, before that, he will participate in the official Moto2 test with the team this Tuesday. The Italian rider has already taken part in two GPs this season with other teams – a fourth place at the GP of The Americas being his best result.

Khairul Idham Pawi is scheduled to be out of action for a period of six to eight weeks, depending on his recovery from the Grade 3 open fracture of his little finger [on the right hand] that he incurred in practice at Jerez.

Razlan Razali – Team Principal

“We are happy to announce that the rider chosen is Mattia Pasini. We believe he is the best candidate to replace Khairul Idham Pawi for several reasons: Firstly, he is an experienced and competitive rider. Secondly, he can contribute by helping to develop our Moto2 bike. Finally, I would like to emphasise that, although I would like to have been able to field a Malaysian rider in this role, at this moment we do not have any who are both available and competitive in Moto2.

The most important thing now is to have a rider who is quick and has experience, for the motivation of the team in general. We believe that Pasini can provide us with that. I would also like to take this opportunity to give KIP encouragement and wish him a quick and successful recovery. His estimated return is the Catalan Grand Prix.”

Johan Stigefelt – Team Director

“We had the opportunity to bring in Mattia Pasini until Khairul Idham Pawi has recovered and we did not want to let it pass us by. As we all know, he is a very fast rider and he has been in Moto2 for many years, getting good results along the way. For us, being able to incorporate him for the coming races is good, because it means we can continue working on the bike. We still don’t know 100% when Khairul Idham Pawi will return, so we must continue waiting for the doctors’ verdict on the injury. KIP knows that he will miss at least the next two races at Le Mans and Mugello, so we will see from there.

I’m delighted to have Pasini onboard. In addition, he is very happy. I know he will give everything for as long as this opportunity lasts. At the same time, I feel very sorry for Khairul Idham Pawi and I wish him a quick recovery. I hope to see him back with us very soon.”

Mattia Pasini

“It is never easy to replace an injured rider, but I’m very happy about this opportunity because this is a team that I have been following for some time. I’m proud to be part of this project for a few races and I will do my best to get the results that this team deserve. We have to work hard, but if there is a team in which you can work, it’s this one. I can’t wait to get things underway tomorrow with the test in Jerez, so that I can get into good shape for Le Mans.

The Kalex is a bike that I know very well and at Austin – having hardly tested with it – I almost got on the podium. I know the team a little and the people I will be working with and this is another positive point. The potential is very high, but we have to start from scratch and give our all. I want to thank PETRONAS Sprinta Racing, Razlan Razali and Johan Stigefelt for this opportunity.”