Capirossi awaits big steps forward on Suzuki Mugello debut
Monday, 26 May 2008
A previous premier class race winner in Mugello, Loris Capirossi´s latest homecoming has a new twist as he debuts at the track with Suzuki.
Valentino Rossi may hold a perfect record of MotoGP four-stroke wins at Mugello, but there will be one other rider on this Sunday´s grid who knows the feeling of a home premier class victory in Italy.
The veteran´s last home podium came with second place in 2006, and a repeat of that would be welcome for Capirossi as he looks to step up a gear in the World Championship. One of the most popular riders in his homeland, the 35 year-old´s switch to Suzuki colours at the end of last year will mean that the Mugello grandstand will have a more prominent blue presence on Sunday afternoon in addition to the `Rossi yellow´ and `Ducati red´.
`I am really looking forward to racing a Suzuki in Italy for the first time, it is a big moment for me and I know that there will be many fans there,´ says Capirossi, currently sixth in the overall standings with a highest race result of fifth.
`The bike is getting better all the time, but still we must make improvements. I love Mugello and hopefully we can make big steps there and give the Italians and Suzuki fans something to cheer about. I am very determined to do well at my home Grand Prix and will be doing all I can to make it happen!´
The last Suzuki podium at Mugello came in 1995, when Darryl Beattie took second behind Honda´s Mick Doohan.
