German MotoGP: Loris Capirossi nearing future decision

Loris Capirossi has hinted 2011 might be his last in MotoGP as he nears a decision on his future plans.

The Italian veteran, who holds the record for number of Grand Prix appearances at 321, confirmed in Germany today that he’d use the short summer break in early August to contemplate his future.

The triple world champion has endured a torrid return to Ducati and before he got injured in Assen at the end of last month, he’d only scored one top ten finish in Catalunya.

He broke two ribs and injured his shoulder in a qualifying crash at Assen and while recovering it was rumoured that he was seriously pondering retirement.

The Pramac Ducati rider said a decision was imminent and he said: “I am sure I am close to saying bye bye to everybody because this for me is the 22nd consecutive season, but the feeling is still really good when I am fit. I don’t know about my future for next year but when I return after the holiday in Brno I will say something.”

Capirossi said he would try and brave the pain of his injuries in Germany this weekend, part of his motivation to return being his reluctance to see Sylvain Guintoli take his GP11.

Capirossi added: “My condition is coming better day by day but it is only 20 days since my injury in Assen and I am still not perfect. The shoulder is also a problem and this is why I want to check my condition in free practice. Watching the race at home is really difficult for me and not nice and to see somebody else riding my bike is the reason I’m here. I think I can have the feeling to ride the bike for the weekend.”