Loris Capirossi - Photo Credit: Pramac Racing
Loris Capirossi was lost for words after his 21 year career came to end in Valencia on Sunday. The Italian raced with the no.58 plate in honour of his late friend Marco Simoncelli and brought the Pramac Ducati home in ninth place.
At the end of his 328th GP, Capirossi admitted he was struggling to find the right words but thanked all of the people who helped him since his 125cc debut in 1990.
“What can I say, now it’s really finished. The race was complicated by the rain, and in the last laps I couldn’t push because I risked crashing. I wanted to end my career in a good way honouring Marco. I gave my best. Thanks to all the people that have supported me. Now I’m retired!”
Sadly, teammate Randy de Puniet couldn't end the year on a high despite qualifying fourth. The Frenchman was an innocent party when Alvaro Bautista crashed at turn one, taking De Puniet and the factory Ducatis out of the race.
“I’m angry, disappointed, and sorry!, he commented. “This has really been an unfortunate season. Bautista’s fall caused my crash and three other crashes. I was convinced that I would’ve had a good race. I wanted to end this season in the best way possible. It was a pleasure to be Capirex’s teammate in his final season.”
All in all, the 2011 campaign has been tough for the Pramac squad but Technical Director Fabiano Sterlacchini looked on the bright side, admitting it was an honour to work with Capirossi in his final season.
“This difficult season is now finished. It was the umpteenth unfortunate race for Randy after the good results earlier in the weekend. Loris was doing well, but at the end he didn’t feel like pushing because of the rain. It was a pleasure to work with him, and I wish him all the best.”
