MotoGP Rider Loris Capirossi Leaves Ducati For Suzuki
Aug 16, 2007
Ducati
Veteran MotoGP rider Loris Capirossi will race for Suzuki next season with an option to stay on in 2009.
The 34-year-old Italian is being replaced at current team Ducati by Marco Melandri next year.
Capirossi held talks with Ducati about staying on but was unhappy with the way the team handled Melandri’s signing. BBC Sport
Rumors surrounding MotoGP veteran Loris Capirossi have been simmering for weeks now, but all the speculation is over as the Italian has hitched up with the Rizla Suzuki squad. The deal is reported to be for the 2008 season with an option for 2009. The departure of Capirex was announced in a press conference at Brno, where the GP paddock has gathered for Round 12 of the 18-round season. Bart Madson, Motorcycle-USA
Aug 13
Australian Chris Vermeulen has told MCN he would relish the chance to partner Italian veteran Loris Capirossi in the 2008 MotoGP world championship.
It is expected the current factory Ducati will finally agree to a switch to Suzuki next season before the start of this weekend’s Brno MotoGP clash in the Czech Republic. Matthew Birt, MotorcycleNews
On the surface, the 800cc MotoGP era seems ideal for Loris. He was successful in the high corner speed world of 250 Grand Prix, winning the championship. Capirossi has won races on the Bridgestone tires, too. He was winning races on the ‘Stones even before the new tire rules came into place. The Ducati strategy to return to the “screamer” engine configuration looks to be a brilliant move. But for Loris, it just isn’t happening this year. Evan Williams, SuperBikePlanet
