Loris Cresson ruled out of Argentina WorldSBK, Marco Solorza to replace him
With Loris Cresson ruled out for this weekend’s Argentina WorldSBK round, home rider Marco Solorza has been called up to replace the Belgian rookie.
Solorza’s World Superbike debut will see him join fellow Argentine riders Leandro Mercardo and wildcard for the event Luciano Riboldino - first time in history that three riders from Argentina will be on the grid together.
Solorza’s call-up sees him return to the WorldSBK paddock for the first time since 2016 when he competed in the European Superstock Championship.
"The truth is I am delighted to be returning to the World Superbike paddock. It will be a unique experience and I am proud to represent my country," said Solorza.
"I am grateful to Outdo TPR Team Pedercini and to all the people that enabled me to race at the San Juan circuit."
For Cresson, the injury comes at the worst possible time as the former WorldSSP rider achieved his best qualifying of the season in Portimao.
Cresson added: "The weekend in Portugal started really well. We were fast and competitive from the first day but then it turned into a big disappointment.
"We took our best qualifying position and just missed out on another point scoring result but from Sunday there was not much to say. We didn’t do any laps in the wet warm up because of a technical problem.
"We were confident for a good day of racing to end the weekend in Portimao, but after a missed start, the guy behind me touched my wheels at 200km/h and I don’t remember anything.
"For sure I am not happy to be missing Argentina but honestly it is the right decision. I still have pain after five days and it is a long trip to potentially be told no when I get there.
"I can hardly walk so I cannot even imagine how I would be able to ride. I have never missed a race because of injury that I can remember, and I want to say a massive thank you to Arai, 4SR and TCX because their products without a doubt have reduced what could have been a much worse injury.
"I wish the best to the team in Argentina, and I really hope that I can be back on track in Indonesia!"
