Capirossi: "I'll challenge Rossi with a smile"

Da **Bonbon_uccia46** Ven Feb 11, 2011 6:03 am

Article from http://www.gpone.com/index.php/en/slider/2883-capirossi-qsfido-rossi-con-il-sorrisoq.html

He has been a Grand Prix racer for twenty-two years, but he certainly doesn't feel like it: "No more talk, now it's time for action."

These were the words of Loris Capirossi, three time world champion (two in 125cc in '90 and '91, one in 250cc in '98) and two time third place finisher in the premier class. The second of these third places came in 2006, a year in which he could have won the MotoGP championship on a Ducati. He makes his return to the Italian marque this year thanks to Paolino Campinoti's Team Pramac, presented to the media today aboard the MSC cruise ship "Fantasia", in Genoa. Joining him was Frenchman Randy De Puniet.

"I'm going to give it everything I have, but it won't be easy - Capirex said - the level of competition is very high. There is plenty of work to do on the GP11, but with Valentino Rossi on the factory team the development will be fast and decisive."

Part of Loris' confidence comes because knows the secrets of Borgo Panigale.

"I had a long talk with Filippo Preziosi - the Italian continued - we will turn things around."

Capirossi didn't do badly at Sepang, even if the effect of his three years at Suzuki was evident. But if Rossi is hoping to fight for the championship, what is Capirossi's objective with a satellite bike?

"Life is cyclical and it's only right that there are younger riders on the factory bikes. But I think I can still hold my own."

When it was pointed out that Valentino isn't that young, at 32 years old, Loris was quick to respond: "I had the best races of my career at 32."

Capirossi scored Ducati's first win, in 2003 at Barcelona, when he beat that very same Rossi. So if he finds himself in a similar situation this year, will he be more of an adversary or a teammate?

"We will race with a reciprocal respect like we always have. No matter how the past battles have gone between the two of us, we always finished them with a smile."