Capirossi to make it 300 in Qatar

Loris Capirossi will become the first rider to start 300 Grands Prix when he lines up on the grid for the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar on Sunday. The Rizla Suzuki rider will pass the milestone as he gets an incredible 21st season of World Championship racing underway.

Capirossi, who has had an impressive pre-season aboard the GSV-R prototype, said: “I never thought I would get to this many, but I have been lucky in my career and I have always given 100% and kept myself fit so that I have been able to stay at the top. I never really think about how many races I have been in, but this number is very special and I guess it will probably never happen for another rider,” said the Italian.

He then turned his focus to the business of results, adding: “We have to continue with the improvements and good direction that we found at the Qatar Test last month. I know we have some work to do, but we are very close now and all the guys in the team and back in Japan have worked really hard. I hope we can challenge the fast guys more consistently this year.”

Team-mate Álvaro Bautista, who will make his first premier class start in Qatar, is aiming high as well.

“A target for this year would be to be rookie of the year, but that will be difficult because there are so many good riders and the racing will be close,” said the Spaniard. “I must learn step-by-step and not do anything stupid in the early races. I am really excited about my debut for Rizla Suzuki and just can’t wait to get racing!”