Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner tribute to Loris Capirossi, after the veteran Italian rider announced it will retire at the end of this season. Capirossi reveals his intention on Thursday (09.01.11).
Capirossi had confirmed that a pension plan during a press conference that lasted a full emotional at Misano. On the occasion, "Capirex" in tears, when explaining his decision to the media.
Former Suzuki and Ducati rider became the oldest rider in the history of Grand Prix. To 2011, he had 22 seasons to pursue sports racing "iron horse". On Sunday the 28 lap race at San Marino GP, Capirossi will start to-325 in his career, and he has won a total of 29 victories.
38-year-old rider was a close friend of his compatriot who has become legendary motor racing, Rossi. Capirossi and "The Doctor" have been together in the arena of motorcycle racing since 1998, when she appeared in the 250cc and MotoGP.
Regarding the decision of this Capirossi, Rossi said: "I have many memories of Loris, the first of the TV. I remember when he won his first race in the 125cc class at Suzuka, and also I am a big fan of Loris, when he was a tight fight with (Max ) Biaggi (laughing). After I fought him a lot in MotoGP, and happens a lot in the last lap duel with him. What I remember was a duel in the title race 250cc world champion in 1999, and also a lot of fight in Honda in the 500cc class .
"But I think the best memories are with the 1000cc engine in 2006 at the Mugello and Sepang, when I fight with Loris at the last lap, and exciting duel going until the final incubation. I think we lost one of the best rider in the sport."
Not just Rossi. Australian Casey Stoner, also praises Capirossi, after they were paired on the Ducati in the 2007 season. At that time, Stoner for the first time embrace the world title with the team from Bologna factory, and according to him, the influence Capirossi very helpful in his debut with the factory team in MotoGP.
Stoner, who now leads the championship by 44 points over his rival from Yamaha, Jorge Lorenzo, said: "I can easily say he is probably the best teammate ever. He was very friendly on the team when I came to the Ducati, and even when I was a lot of success, he always congratulated. And I've never had too many colleagues in other teams, who followed him.
"They certainly can not compare with him, because he was always friendly to me and we always discuss all things in trials, and there has never been feuding within the team. I have always enjoyed a lot of my time with Loris, and he certainly is a better friend in the garage than elsewhere. We always have time together, and it is very sad that he is very difficult in recent years. But to have a career like that happened, is something very special. "
