Loris Capirossi to break appearance record

Loris Capirossi has spoken of his pride at standing on the brink of breaking the record for the number of Grand Prix appearances in Misano this weekend.

The veteran Italian is poised to make his 277th appearance in Sunday’s 28-lap race, which will see him beat Alex Barros’s previous best of 276.

The factory Suzuki rider said: “It is a great moment for me. I have a lot of fantastic memories and maybe I can ride for nine or ten years more! I still have good results and I have fun to ride the bike and I don’t want to stop.”

The tripe world champion, who is chasing a 100th podium this weekend, also confirmed he is close to signing a new deal to stay with the British-based factory Suzuki squad.

“We have spoken and we have agreed. All I have to do is sign the contract, “said Capirossi,  who confirmed he will ride with the new chassis that he tested for the first time with Aussie team-mate Chris Vermeulen in Brno earlier this month.