Capirossi pays tribute to Simoncelli and sets top-five time

Loris Capirossi, running the number 58 this weekend at Valencia in honour of Marco Simoncelli, finished day one fifth fastest at Cheste with a best effort of 1’46.108, set in the morning session.

Both sessions were run on a wet track, with the afternoon conditions worse following further rain. Randy de Puniet was seventh quickest of the day with a best time of 1’46.371.

Loris Capirossi:
“It was an honour to ride with Marco’s number on my bike. Apart from that it was a tough afternoon. The tyres didn’t work so in the final minutes we had to use my tyres from this morning. They were a bit worn but I still managed to improve my second-session time by three seconds. I’m happy with how the morning went, and I’m very optimistic for tomorrow. We can do well.”

Randy de Puniet:
“I’m satisfied. This morning the track was quite dry, more towards the end of the session and I ended in seventh place. In the afternoon I did well on the wet track, finishing the session with the seventh best lap time. The feeling with the bike is good, and I hope it is tomorrow as well. There is a good opportunity to end this season with a good result, and my thoughts are with Marco and his family.”