Loris Capirossi has announced his retirement from motorcycle racing in today's pre-race press conference ahead of the San Marino Grand Prix. The Italian has called time on a wonderful career spanning 22 seasons and 326 Grand Prix starts, meaning this year's Grand Prix of Valencia will be his last.
Capirossi was visibly emotional as he broke the news and received a standing ovation from the assembled media. The 38 year old admits he took a lot of time coming to the decision but feels the time is right to stop.
“It's an important moment in my career, and the decision I made has come about after a lot of reflection. I'm happy that after 25 years, of which 22 were in the world championship, I'm at a point where I can still have a smile on my lips as I part ways, even if it's difficult to think that I won't be riding a bike next year.”
“I must think the many, many people who over the years have followed me, encouraged me, motivated me. That includes Team Pramac, who gave me my final opportunity to race a motorcycle. I'm sorry that I haven't brought home good results this year, but I'm confident for the final part of the championship. Motegi, Phillip Island, and Sepang are my favourite tracks, and I've won many races there. It will be difficult to get my hundredth podium, but I'll fight to the end.”
“As for my future, I still don't have clear ideas. The only sure thing is that I won't be a racer anymore. In life, it's not easy to make these decisions, especially after so many years. Still, I'm sure that my new life will be thrilling, just like the one before it was.”
Capirossi shares a laugh with long-time rival Valentino Rossi
Capirossi Grand Prix Career Stats:
| Year | Class | Motorcycle | Wins | Poles | FLs | Points |
| 2011 | MotoGP | Ducati | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 (16th) * |
| 2010 | MotoGP | Suzuki | 0 | 0 | 0 | 44 (16th) |
| 2009 | MotoGP | Suzuki | 0 | 0 | 0 | 110 (9th) |
| 2008 | MotoGP | Suzuki | 0 | 0 | 0 | 118 (10th) |
| 2007 | MotoGP | Ducati | 1 | 0 | 0 | 166 (7th) |
| 2006 | MotoGP | Ducati | 3 | 2 | 5 | 229 (3rd) |
| 2005 | MotoGP | Ducati | 2 | 3 | 1 | 157 (6th) |
| 2004 | MotoGP | Ducati | 0 | 0 | 1 | 117 (9th) |
| 2003 | MotoGP | Ducati | 1 | 3 | 1 | 177 (4th) |
| 2002 | MotoGP | Honda | 0 | 0 | 0 | 109 (8th) |
| 2001 | 500cc | Honda | 0 | 4 | 1 | 210 (3rd) |
| 2000 | 500cc | Honda | 1 | 1 | 1 | 154 (7th) |
| 1999 | 250cc | Honda | 3 | 2 | 3 | 209 (3rd) |
| 1998 | 250cc | Aprilia | 2 | 8 | 3 | 224 (Champion) |
| 1997 | 250cc | Aprilia | 0 | 1 | 2 | 116 (6th) |
| 1996 | 250cc | Yamaha | 1 | 0 | 0 | 98 (10th) |
| 1995 | 250cc | Honda | 0 | 0 | 0 | 108 (6th) |
| 1994 | 250cc | Honda | 4 | 5 | 0 | 199 (3rd) |
| 1993 | 250cc | Honda | 3 | 7 | 0 | 193 (2nd) |
| 1992 | 250cc | Honda | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27 (12th) |
| 1991 | 125cc | Honda | 5 | 5 | 0 | 200 (Champion) |
| 1990 | 125cc | AGV | 3 | 0 | 0 | 182 (Champion) |
