Giugliano named as Laverty’s injury stand-in

David Giugliano has been picked as Eugene Laverty’s replacement at Milwaukee Aprilia while he recovers from his nasty injury sustained in Thailand two weeks ago.

Laverty was hit by MV Agusta’s Jordi Torres in an unfortunate accident during race two of the Thailand round in World Superbikes and sustained two pelvis fractures while he also underwent a minor operation in a Bangkok hospital to repair an internal injury.

Last month the SMR-run factory Aprilia squad confirmed Laverty would be out of action for two months, with the Irish rider targeting a comeback at the Donington Park round in late May, and have named Giugliano as his temporary replacement.

The Italian rider, a former World Superbike podium finisher for Aruba.it Racing Ducati and Aprilia, has secured a deal with Milwaukee Aprilia for the Aragon and Assen rounds plus “possibly Imola”, according to a team statement.

Giugliano has useful experience with Aprilia RSV4 1000RR machinery having previously raced for the Italian manufacturer in 2013, notching up two rostrum results, and is eager to impress with his opportunity at the factory Aprilia squad.

“First of all I'm sorry for what happened to Eugene in Thailand and I hope he can get back on his bike as soon as possible,” Giugliano said. “I want to thank Shaun Muir and the Milwaukee Aprilia team for allowing me to stand in and for their cooperation.

“We only have a short time to prepare but the upcoming rounds are at tracks I know very well, and I have great confidence in the experience and professionalism of the crew. I also want to say thanks to Arai and Alpinestars for their efforts in supporting me at such short notice.”

Muir is pleased to welcome the Italian rider as Laverty’s stand-in and says there will be no pressure on him for immediate results having been away from racing since the end of the 2017 season when he acted as stand-in rider at Red Bull Honda.

“We are very pleased to welcome Davide to the team. At the same time, we look forward to Eugene’s return as soon as he is fit and ready,” Muir said. “This is a real opportunity for Davide to show his potential and we are sure he will fit in well. The deal will see him join the team for Aragon, Assen and most likely Imola.

“We put no pressure on Davide other than to take each session and each race with a measured approach, and with the focus to grow his confidence and in turn his speed. We are all well aware of what he is capable of and we will give him 100% support at every level.”