Fonsi Nieto to replace Neukirchner at Alstare Suzuki

Following Max Neukirchner’s horrific injuries sustained at Monza on Sunday, former WSB Alstare Suzuki rider Fonsi Nieto has been drafted in to replace the injured German starting from this weekend’s race in Kylami, South Africa.

Team owner Francis Batta’s decision to chose Nieto ends speculation that either multiple AMA Champion Matt Mladin or current BSB man Sylvan Guintoli could be drafted in to the ride.

Nieto rode for the team in 2008 winning in only his second attempt in Qatar, but failed to continue this level of results as the season progressed.

He lost his ride at the end of the year after the team elected to run just two riders in 2009 instead of three as in previous seasons.