Brno MotoGP: Casey Stoner sad to see Loris Capirossi quit Ducati

MotoGP world championship leader Casey Stoner has told MCN of his sadness at the departure of Loris Capirossi to rivals Suzuki.

The 34-year-old Italian confirmed this afternoon in Brno he had signed a one-year deal with an option for 2009 with the Rizla Suzuki squad.

Suzuki is to make announcement tomorrow (Friday) that Rizla will remain on board as title sponsor for the 2008 world championship, with an option exercised during the summer break.

Loris Capirossi confirmed he had rejected an approach from Kawasaki and also the chance to ride a 2008 factory Ducati, but not in the Marlboro-backed team.

He would have had to switch to the satellite D’Antin team, even though he would have retained his factory rider status.

Casey Stoner has comprehensively outpaced the more vastly more experienced Loris Capirossi in 2007, with the triple world champion struggling to adapt to the new generation 800cc machine.

But Casey Stoner told MCN in Brno this afternoon that is still disappointed that Loris Capirossi has left.

He said: “It’s actually very hard to see him go because we have a good relationship, we discuss everything.

“We don’t always go in the same direction but we always discuss what goes on with the team, what settings improve the bike and what don’t.

“We have had a good relationship for team-mates this year. I’m so happy for him when he gets a good result and he’s happy for me.

“I’m disappointed to see him go but I guess things just weren’t working out. But we’ll be racing against him next year and still see him around the paddock.”