Augusto Fernandez, driver of the FlexBox HP40 team, injured his left arm during the third practice session at Las Termas, Argentina. After the operation, his presence for the next one in Austin, Texas, proved unthinkable, paving the way for the hunt for a freelancer. This one will be a Mattia Pasini whose name had already been mentioned to replace Manzi at Forward MV Agusta.
But the option is undoubtedly more attractive for the experienced Italian whom no one wanted during the last transfer market. In Texas, he will be the teammate of the two-time winner in the category and leader of the current championship, Lorenzo Baldassarri. Two Grand Prix which he commentated for the Sky channel. But Pasini continued to train hoping to seize this type of opportunity.
After 15 seasons in the World Championship and 12 victories, Mattia Pasini did not find a vacant saddle at the end of 2018. At 33 years old, the one who is an honorary member of the VR46 Riders Academy declared: “ Let's say for now the only way to race is if one of the Moto2 teams realizes they made the wrong choice and comes and picks me up. Be careful though, I did not compromise in the various negotiations this summer and I am not prepared to do so now. I want a team with which I can win races and world championships ».
Mattia Pasini will want to remember that he is still competitive, even if he will have to get used to the new Moto2 powered by Triumph. Incidentally, regarding the position of Manzi, the name of Scott Redding had also been mentioned. Now he is alone in the running…
