Loris Capirossi will race in front of his home fans for the first time as a Suzuki rider in next weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Mugello.
Capirossi has enjoyed huge home success since his debut at the Tuscan circuit in 1991. The former 250 and double 125cc world champion has recorded nine podium finishes, including a 500cc victory in 2000, and will have his sights set on a debut GSV-R rostrum next Sunday.
"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," smiled Loris, a best of fifth so far this year. "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!”
Team-mate
Chris Vermeulen will be visiting the Italian circuit for only the third time in his career and looking to build on his performance last year, when he qualified on the front row of the grid in wet conditions and then raced to a eighth place in the dry.
"We made some important steps at Le Mans both in the race and the test afterwards that put us in a much better position for Mugello," revealed the Australian, so far the only rider to have won a race with the GSV-R. "The potential we showed in France was a boost for the whole team but we still have quite a bit of work to do to bridge the gap to the front guys.
"Mugello is quite a tough track to ride at the maximum level, but I got the hang of it in the race last year and I'm sure having Loris in the team with his 'home' advantage will be a big help!" he added.
Mugello starts an exhausting run six grands prix in eight weeks.
