Japanese pilot, Shinichi Itoh, will race for Pramac-Dantin this weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix aboard the Ducati GP7 formerly ridden by Alex Hofmann, who was let go from the Team.

The Team Management of the Italo-Spanish group has decided that the former official Bridgestone test rider would make an excellent addition to the Team for this race.

Shinichi Itoh has a wealth of experience riding a wide variety of racing motorcycles, and began competing in 500GP´s in 1988. Later years saw him win the Japanese Superbike title, and once again rejoin the GP paddock, where he scored a pole position in the German GP of 1993.

This year Itoh continued to push the development of Bridgestone tires, which have seen a massive step forward in the MotoGP Championship this season. He also raced the prestigious 8-Hours of Suzuka this year, where he demonstrated he is still a fast and competitive rider, well suited to the rigors of motorcycle combat.

Pramac d'Antin Ducati