WSB and GP Star Gregorio Lavilla To Replace Injured Haydon at Brands Hatch - March 24th 2005

London, UK (23rd March)- Airwaves Ducati today announced that James Haydon will not race at Brands Hatch this weekend. However they bounced back with the immediate announcement of WSB and GP star Gregorio Lavilla as a replacement rider.

The team withdrew Haydon this morning after damage to his left hand sustained during testing in Albacete, failed to heal in sufficient time. The announcement of Lavilla, the highly respected and experienced WSB and GP rider, is a huge boost for the team. Colin Wright, Team Manager, commented, "Obviously I'm very disappointed that James will not be competing this weekend, however, extremely pleased to have secured the services of such an experienced World Championship rider".

"James is working hard to recover his fitness in time for the next round at Thruxton. This decision is about him missing the first round in order to compete in the remaining twelve".

Wright is enthused to be back in the thick of the action and sure of the team's proven abilities, expecting the usual high standard of performance, even at this early stage. "I could not have asked for a better replacement than Gregorio. Leon's lap times have been excellent; we are on the pace and looking forward to the Championship."