MotoGP: Loris Capirossi expresses front tyre concerns for Misano MotoGP

Factory Ducati rider Loris Capirossi reckons front tyre endurance could be a critical factor as MotoGP returns to the Misano circuit this weekend for the first time since 1993.

Loris Capirossi is one of only a handful of riders to have experience of the new Misano circuit, having been given special dispensation to complete two demonstration laps at the recent World Ducati Weekend.

He also tested a production Ducati at the San Marino venue earlier in the year in a safety assessment with compatriot Valentino Rossi.

The 34-year-old, who recently signed a deal to join Chris Vermeulen in Suzuki’s factory team for 2008, told MCN: “I only did two laps at WDW and that track is really hard, especially for the front tyre and turning.

“A lot of corners you go in quite fast and then they close up. It is tight with not a lot of points to overtake and also it is very easy to make a mistake.

“There is not one second where you can relax.”

Asked if he had specific concerns for the front tyre, he added: “I think it will be really hard for everybody. It is a real front-end track so it will be tough.”

Loris Capirossi said he recently had a chat with reigning World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss about Misano, with the Australian racing on the revised layout earlier this season.

Capirossi and Troy Bayliss are former MotoGP team-mates and live close to each other in Monaco.

And Loris Capirossi said: “Troy was at my home last week and we talked a little bit and he said for superbike it is a nice track. But for MotoGP he said it is maybe difficult.

“It is strange because we don’t have another track like Misano. Sachsenring is a tight track but it is a harmonic track and it flows. Misano doesn’t do that.”