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Hoffman to replace Gibernau for Dutch GP
Ducati has decided to replace the injured Sete Gibernau with the German Alex Hoffman ahead of the Dutch instalment of the MotoGP this weekend.
Spaniard Gibernau sustained a fractured collarbone as well as concussion when his bike spectacularly flipped over as he rounded the first corner during the Catalonian GP, taking several other bikers with him.
Gibernau has now had an operation to have a titanium plate fitted on his injured collarbone, but is not expected to race again for another three to five weeks.
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His place will be taken in Assen for the Dutch GP by 26-year-old Hoffman, who had so far this season been riding a non-works Ducati for the Pramac d'Antin team and who was clearly delighted at the opportunity he has been handed.
Hoffman exclaimed: "I'm excited and so happy! Having the possibility to race on the official Ducati Desomosedici is an unbelievable opportunity and I will give my 100 per cent to take advantage of it the most I can."
He did take time to commiserate with the man he is replacing, however, saying: "I also have a special thought for Sete Gibernau to whom I wish to get well at the soonest and in the best way possible."
Another racer who will definitely be at Assen is their teammate Loris Capirossi, second overall in the current MotoGP standings, who was one of the riders taken out when Gibernau's bike overturned.
The Italian admitted that he was not fully fit and is still suffering with chest pains from the crash, but promised to go to Assen and perform "with even more fighting spirit than usual".
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