Capirossi to join Pramac Ducati

From motogp.com

The Pramac Racing team has announced that it has reached an agreement with Loris Capirossi to join forces in MotoGP for 2011.

Next season will be the 10th year of the Italian team’s involvement in the World Championship, and it will mark the milestone with an Italian rider on board its satellite Desmosedici.

Capirossi last rode the 800cc Ducati machine in 2007 and his experience in the World Championship of 313 Grand Prix starts, 29 wins, 99 podiums and three titles (two in the 125cc class and one in the 250cc category) was welcomed excitedly by Pramac Racing Team Principal, Paolo Campinoti.

"We are very pleased to have signed an agreement with one of the most experienced and titled riders currently riding in the MotoGP World Championship,” said Campinoti. “The deal between us was very simple because Pramac Racing Team and Loris always try to fight for important results. We do not need to talk about Loris, we all know him, we know his value and we are sure that thanks to his quality we'll have fun next year on all the tracks, taking some satisfaction too.”

Capirossi expressed his anticipation at the next step in his illustrious career by saying, "This return on a Ducati bike makes me feel like a child! I do not feel 37-years-old! I have a great desire to start this new adventure, I’m enormously pleased about this new agreement with the Pramac Racing Team which will allow me to ride and be part of an Italian team."

The Italian also expressed his gratitude to his current Rizla Suzuki team, who he explained had granted him permission to Test at Valencia in November.

“I thank Suzuki for the years we have spent together and also the excellent relationship with them. They have given me permission to ride with my new team starting at the Valencia Test next month."