Loris Capirossi is planning to take part in this weekend's German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring, despite admitting he still isn't fully fit.
The experienced Italian was forced to miss his home Grand Prix at Mugello after a heavy crash at the previous event at Assen, but will return on board the Pramac Ducati this weekend. While still not 100%, Capirossi is adamant that riding this weekend will give him the best possible chance to be ready for the US Grand Prix a week later.
“I'm still not completely well, but I have a couple more days of physical therapy to recover a little more. Getting back on track will be positive, but my goal is to be back to 100% for Laguna Seca. Missing the race at Mugello was very difficult for me, and it affected me a lot. Now I want to turn the page and return to the track. Only I ride my Desmosedici.”
The Pramac Racing team took part in the post-race test at Mugello two weeks ago and Randy de Puniet is hoping the progress made will transfer onto a circuit he expects to favour the Ducati.
“I like the Sachsenring circuit, despite the fact that I still have a bad memory from last year, when I fractured my tibia and fibula. I think that the tracks characteristics might match well with those of our bike, so I'm confident that I can do well. We worked hard at last week's test. I hope that the results will be positive.”
Technical Director Fabiano Sterlacchini also expects the 3.671km circuit to play to the strengths of their machine, and is delighted that his first-choice rider line-up will be back in place to use it.
“Capirexs return to the track is definitely the most important aspect of this grand prix. Obviously, Loris won't be at 100%, but he has worked a lot these days in order to be able to ride the bike adequately. In the past he has competed even when in very bad physical condition, so I hope he can do so again.”
“Randy seemed very focused during the Mugello test. He has had a very difficult start to the season, between crashes and other problems, so I hope that he can start fresh at the Sachsenring. The German track is very technical and difficult, with a pretty short straightaway, and I think that this could reward the characteristics of our Ducati in some ways.”
