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Post by BADGER on Jun 21, 2007 18:47:04 GMT
After a difficult, injury littered, start to the 2007 season, Olivier Jacque has confirmed an immediate end to his MotoGP career - and will step back to the role of Kawasaki test and development rider. The former 250cc world champion was promoted to full time race rider following the departure of Shinya Nakano at the end of last season, but struggled to get the most from his ZX-RR - scoring points in just one race - and has frequently been injured, causing the Frenchman to miss three of the seven events, including the recent Catalan Grand Prix.
"From the beginning of this MotoGP season I crashed on several occasions, often with severe injuries to my back, cervical vertebrae and right forearm," confirmed OJ. "Right now I feel tired and physically diminished. I find it very hard to recover from my injuries and don't feel competitive enough to ride at top level. I've invested myself a lot in this sport, but my body keeps telling me it's maybe time to move on.
"Obviously, this was a difficult decision to take, but Kawasaki have been understanding and we have reached agreements for the future which will allow me to stay involved in the racing world, for which I am passionate, and play a role from the other side of the fence.
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Post by BADGER on Jun 21, 2007 18:53:29 GMT
West set to replace Jacque at Kawasaki.
Yamaha has released Anthony West from riding in the remaining races of the 2007 Supersport World Championship in order for the Australian to accept a MotoGP ride.
That ride is certain to be at Kawasaki, for whom West recently tested, and he looks set to take the place of the injured, and underperforming, Oliver Jacque for the remainder of the year - starting this weekend at Donington Park - although Kawasaki is yet to officially confirm the move.
West was hired by Yamaha to replace 2006 WSS runner-up Kevin Curtain, who was injured at the Valencia round back in April. Swapping his 250GP two-stroke machine for a 600 stock based four-stroke, West showed his capability very quickly, finishing third in his first race at Monza.
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