Capirossi confident in modified Suzuki

From motogp.com

Loris Capirossi is ready and raring for another season in the MotoGP World Championship, one that will see him riding a heavily redesigned Suzuki GSV-R for his second year with the Japanese factory. The Italian continues his preparations for the upcoming year alongside an almost complete lineup of premier class rivals next week at Sepang, and is eager to get back into action.

"I can't wait to ride again," says Capirossi, whose last test was a private run at Phillip Island at the end of 2008. "Over the winter break I have been getting motivated, and physically I am in great shape."

On the subject of shape, that of the GSV-R will be a different one to that of the bike that finished the most recent MotoGP season. Capirossi and teammate Chris Vermeulen have both taken part in wind tunnel testing in Japan in order to redefine the optimal form for the 2009 prototype, with the results used by engineers during the testing embargo.

"The aerodynamics, engine and chassis are all-new, and I am expecting a lot from them because of the hard work that has been going on in Japan. I´ve got high hopes because of this," says the veteran. "In Sepang we will be focusing on the setup; we don't care about the times at the moment. The goal is to be ready for the first race of the year, and to have the best season possible."

Capirossi's 20th season in Grand Prix racing will begin on April 12, at the opening round of the 2009 campaign in Qatar.