Loris Capirossi Biography

If you’re looking for experience on the grid, you look to Loris Capirossi. The Italian rider has been more than two decades of riding experience in the MotoGP, the majority of which has been in the premier class.

Loris Capirossi Vital Statistics

MotoGP Team: Pramac Racing Team Bike: Ducati Desmosedici GP11 Number: 65 DOB: 4/4/1973 in Bologna, Italy Nationality: Italy Weight: 130 lbs Height: 5 ft 5 in

Loris Capirossi Biography

Born in Bologna, Italy, in 1973, Loris Capirossi has gone on to have one of the longest careers in MotoGP history. And he isn't done yet. Capirossi embarked on his 21st season in the MotoGP World Championship this year with the Pramac Ducati racing team.

Capirossi started riding dirt bikes as a kid, but was soon stepping up to bigger road machines. Capirossi made his road racing debut at the age of 14 in 1987 in the Italian Production Championship. Capirossi kept racing around Europe for the next few years, before entering the MotoGP in 1990.

In Capirossi's first year racing on the world circuit, he claimed the championship in the 125cc class. At the time, he was the youngest rider to do so. Capirossi followed his amazing rookie season with a successful title defense, and claimed the championship for the second consecutive year in 1991.

After two successful seasons in the 125cc class, Capirossi made the step up to the 250cc class. Capirossi would spend three years in the 250cc class, looking to find the same success he had in the 125s. Capirossi didn't earn a championship win during this time, but he did score a third place and a runner-up finish.

In 1995 Capirossi was moved up into the premier class, which at the time was a 500cc class. Capirossi saw mild success at the 500 level, but dropped back down to the 250cc class in 1997. Capirossi won his third world championship in 1998, and eventually re-graduated the premier class.

From 2000 to 2009, Capirossi raced with Honda, Ducati, and Suzuki, and never finished a season outside of the top 10. The 2010 season was Capirossi's least successful in his two decade MotoGP career, but it was also a historic season as Capirossi joined an elite group with more than 300 GP starts.

Capirossi finished in the points in more than 80% of his races, and is one of only two riders to win a race on a 125cc, 250cc, 500cc, 990cc, and 800cc machine in the MotoGP. Capirossi currently has 99 podiums to his name, and will be seeking his 100th this year with the Ducati team.

Loris Capirossi News

• After Final Race, Loris Capirossi Gets New Job With MotoGP - (2011-11-14)
• Stoner Wraps Up 2011 MotoGP Season With One Last Victory - (2011-11-06)
• Capirossi's Career Ends at Valencia - (2011-11-02)
• Loris Capirossi To Miss Japan GP - (2011-09-22)
• Capirossi to Make 21st BRNO Start This Weekend - (2011-08-10)

Loris Capirossi Career Highlights

• 1990 - Becomes the youngest rider to win a world championship, winning the 125cc championship in his rookie year.
• 1991 - Successfully defends his title with his second 125cc Championship victory.
• 1995 - Makes MotoGP premier class debut with Honda
• 1998 - Wins his third world championship, this time in the 250cc class with Aprilia.
• 2000 - Returns to the MotoGP class.
• 2001 - Finishes 3rd in the series with Honda
• 2006 - Finishes 3rd in the series with Ducati
• 2010 - Races in 300th MotoGP race

Loris Capirossi's Bike - Ducati GP11

Manufacturer: Ducati Make: Desmosedici GP11 Engine: Liquid-cooled, 90 degree V4 four-stroke, desmodromic DOHC, four valves per cylinder Capacity: 799cc Maximum Power: More than 200 HP Maximum Speed: In excess of 310 kph / 192 mph