Motegi (Japan), Thursday 15 September 2005 - On the eve of the Grand Prix of Japan, the twelfth round of the 2005 MotoGP season, the Ducati Marlboro Team wishes to announce that its collaboration with Loris Capirossi has been confirmed for the 2006 season.At the Czech Republic GP, held at Brno at the end of August, the rider and Ducati Corse management dealt with the issue of contract renewal, and a couple of subsequent meetings were all that was required to define the terms of the agreement, which has now been reached, to the evident satisfaction of both parties.
After three years of constructive and successful collaboration, Loris and Ducati are now looking to the future with renewed optimism and with exactly the same enthusiasm that has characterized their rapport since the debut of the Desmosedici and of the Ducati Marlboro Team with the Italian rider in November 2002 at Jerez de la Frontera in Spain.
The accord helps to strengthen the only all-Italian partnership in the MotoGP World Championship, a partnership that has been capable of taking on the large Japanese companies right from the start.
Together, Ducati and Capirossi have experienced moments of great joy and satisfaction, as well as overcoming the inevitable difficult moments, in a partnership that has thrilled 'Ducatisti' all over the world.
"I am extremely satisfied that we have reached an agreement with Loris for next season" commented Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Corse Managing Director. "He is a real fighter, a courageous rider with the heart of a lion, and in addition he knows the Desmosedici and our method of working inside out. After years of experience in the world of racing, he has been capable of maturing even more with us and has adapted his riding style to the evolution of the bike and to the new Bridgestone tyres: I believe that this is truly a great asset.
Loris has given us numerous unforgettable moments, like the victory at Barcelona in 2003, which came just six races after the Desmosedici's debut, and together we have continued to work with the same commitment as always, even in moments of difficulty.
Passion, determination and an ability to never give up are the characteristics that link Loris to Ducati and I am sure that this pairing is destined to give even more satisfaction to our fans", concluded Domenicali.
"I am very pleased with the mutual respect that there has been in this period between Ducati and myself" declared Loris Capirossi. "Of course I cannot deny the fact that I have also had other interesting offers but having seen the creation of this project and this bike right from the start, this made me reflect a lot. As a result I am convinced that the best solution is to continue with Ducati, a decision that makes me really happy. We discussed many interesting points, especially from a technical point of view, and we will try to continue to develop the Desmosedici in view of the 2006 season and to finish this season on a high note. Bridgestone are confirming their excellent work with us. They have also been working hard for the Motegi race, which is vitally important for them, and I am sure that we will continue to improve together. To have another season with Ducati is an honour and a great satisfaction for me and we will for sure give everything to achieve success as we always have done in the past".
Source: Ducati Corse s.r.l.