Suzuki call up Watanabe as Mir’s Misano replacement

Suzuki Ecstar has named Joan Mir’s replacement for next week’s San Marino MotoGP with EWC rider Kazuki Watanabe getting the call up.

With the 2020 MotoGP suffering a fractured ankle at the Red Bull Ring last weekend, and a minimum of 15 days rest required to allow the damaged ligaments to heal, Suzuki stalwart Kazuki Watanabe has been named as his replacement at Misano. The 31-year old Japanese rider is a successful member of the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT) squad, where he acts as reserve rider but has also been part of the starting line-up.

Last month saw Watanabe stand on the legendary Suzuka Eight-Hours podium earlier this month as part of a two rider line-up, adding to his multiple top five finishes at the event. He also competes on a GSX-R1000R in the illustrious All Japan Road Race series for Yukio Kagayama’s team, Yoshimura Suzuki RideWin and currently sits third in the championship standings.

“First thing’s first, I would like to wish Joan a speedy recovery from the injury he suffered, he’s a great rider to watch and I hope he’ll be back on track soon,” Watanabe said on the announcement.

“I was really pleased to receive the call about substituting in Misano, it will be amazing to try the MotoGP bike around that track. I will do my best to perform well and give something back to the team who have given me this chance.”