Capirossi pulls out, Guintoli in at Pramac

Loris Capirossi has aborted his attempt at a MotoGP comeback in Germany this weekend and will reluctantly hand his Pramac Ducati over to stand-in Sylvain Guintoli for the rest of the Sachsenring event.

Capirossi, who broke ribs and injured his shoulder in a qualifying crash at Assen late last month, was 17th and last in Friday morning's first practice session.

Guintoli, a former MotoGP rider who now races in World Superbike, tested for Pramac after the Italian Grand Prix and was expected to replace Capirossi this weekend - until the Italian veteran's surprise decision to try and ride.

Frenchman Guintoli, who admitted to having a tough time readapting to MotoGP at the Mugello test, will be competing in his first grand prix since Valencia 2008.