Loris Capirossi has hinted 2011 might be his last in
MotoGP as he nears a decision on his future plans. The Italian veteran, who holds the record for number of Grand Prix appearances at 321, confirmed in Germany that he’d use the short summer break in early August to contemplate his future.
The triple world champion has endured a torrid return to
Ducati and before he got injured in Assen at the end of last month, he’d only scored one top-10 finish earlier this season at Catalunya.
At 38-years old, Loris Capirossi is the oldest ride in the paddock these days. It would be nice to see him bow out on a high note rather than slipping quietly into the history books as a back-marker.
He broke two ribs and injured his shoulder in a qualifying crash at Assen, and while recovering it was rumored that he was seriously pondering retirement.
“I am sure I am close to saying bye bye to everybody because for me this is the 22nd consecutive season, but the feeling is still really good when I am fit,” said Capirossi. “I don’t know about my future for next year, but when I return after the holiday in Brno I will say something.”
Before the race Capirossi said he would try and brave the pain of his injuries over the weekend, part of his motivation to return being his reluctance to see
Sylvain Guintoli take his GP11.
“My condition is coming better day by day but it is only 20 days since my injury in Assen and I am still not perfect,” he said. “The shoulder is also a problem and this is why I want[ed] to check my condition in free practice. Watching the race at home is really difficult for me and not nice, and to see somebody else riding my bike is the reason I’m here.”
