2011 MotoGP
Bad luck once again returned to Pramac Racing Ducati’s Loris Capirossi during his final year of MotoGP racing.
The oldest rider on the 17-rider MotoGP grid at 38-years old, Capirossi will be forced to miss the Japanese GP at Motegi due to re-injuring his right shoulder after crashing at Aragon. The Italian underwent further medical evaluation this week, and doctors told him he must rest for two weeks.
This is the same shoulder Capirossi injured during qualifying for Assen MotoGP. During the Assen wreck, Capirossi also broke two ribs, causing him to miss that MotoGP round the and subsequent two at Mugello and Sachsenring.
Loris Capirossi (Pramac Racing Ducati MotoGP) says: “I wanted to race in Japan, one of my favorite tracks where I have achieved many good results and much satisfaction, but the doctors were more than clear. After an initial consultation in Monaco, where it was recommended I immediately undergo surgery, which would have meant three months out and the end of my career, I went to Imola to see Dr. Costa.
“He is used to seeing other riders in these conditions, and I thought he might have other ideas. Unfortunately, he was also quite hard about it, and I was strongly advised not to take part in the Japanese race. My shoulder hurts, and it will take at least two weeks of full rest plus a week of rehabilitation. I regret this very much, but I think this is the best choice for ending my season, and my career, in the best way possible for the last three races in Australia, Malaysia and Valencia.”
Doctor Costa Claudio (Clinica Mobile) says: “I saw Loris fall, which was spectacular and of course very dangerous. He again suffered a dislocation of the right clavicle, which he had already dislocated in the Netherlands Grand Prix.
“Now if he were to have another similar accident, with the ligaments that have just healed and are therefore no longer totally healthy, it could be dangerous and not worth the risk. Strong pressure would be enough to damage his shoulder even more and thus obligate Loris to surgery and consequently the end of his career.
“My suggestion is that, although it is difficult, he should take a break and miss the race in Japan in order to keep the shoulder protected for two weeks by immobilizing it. After that, a week of therapy in the water and he can return to the track for the last three races.”
Pramac racing didn’t report if anyone would substitute for Capirossi, as Effenbert-Liberty Ducati World Superbike’s Sylvain Guintoli did at Sachsenring. If Capirossi doesn’t race Sunday, the grid will only contain 16 riders.
Earlier this month, Capirossi reported he’d be retiring after the 2011 MotoGP season concludes. If he would have started at Motegi MotoGP, it would have been his 327th GP start since 1990.
