Rapido Sport Ducati postpones TT plans until 2014

Rider Lee Johnston, who suffered a broken leg during the Superstock 1000 race at Thruxton earlier this year, has been forced to postpone his plans of riding the 1199R Panigale Superstock and Superbike machines at both the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT.

During the
recent North West 200 races Lee was able to evaluate his leg injury on the smaller, lighter machines of Supersport and Supertwin in the shorter Northern Ireland road circuit. Despite the poor weather on the Supersport race, Lee had a great start and was in 3rd position when the race was stopped on lap 2 and subsequently declared. Although he achieved a podium position Lee has expressed concern about riding the bigger bikes at the very physically demanding TT mountain course and was experiencing some discomfort after just a few laps of the NW200.

"We must put safety first. The TT races are so much more physical than the NW200, fast changes of direction, high speeds and the races themselves are considerable longer. The 1,200 cc Ducati Superbike isn't a touring bike and every rider needs top fitness to ride this event. Any distraction from pain or discomfort would be an unnecessary risk. 100 per cent concentration is required at the world famous TT," said Rapido Sport Ducati's Patrick Murray.

Lee will continue his roads campaign, learning the TT circuit in preparation for 2014 by riding the smaller bike classes and is expected back at the Ulster GP. For the BSB Superstock 1000 campaign, team mate Matteo Baiocco will stand in for Lee at the National 1000 Superstock race supporting the World Superbike event at Donington Park.

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