From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

CAPIROSSI REACHES HIS CENTURY

This weekend Ducati Marlboro Team rider Loris Capirossi reaches another landmark in his remarkable Grand Prix career when he makes his 100th premier-class start.

During his seven seasons in the 500 and MotoGP categories the Italian has built an enduring reputation for being one of the most exciting and determined riders on the world stage. He has also scored three victories and a total of 24 podium finishes.

“I didn’t even know this was my 100th race in the big class until some Italian journalists phoned me a few days ago,” said the 31-year old. “To make 100 races is pretty good, really nice. But then I thought ‘Wow, I must be really old!” but my feeling is still the same as when I first came to GPs as a 16-year old.”

Capirossi made his 500 debut in 1995, after twice coming close to winning the 250 title in 1993 and 1994. He ended the ’95 season with his first premier-class podium and followed that with his first victory in 1996. But then he decided he had unfinished business in 250s, returning to that class in 1997 and winning the title in 1998. In 2000 he came back to 500s before joining the Ducati Marlboro team last year when he made history by winning the factory’s first premier-class victory.

“I’ve seen many things change during my time. I’ve raced with Schwantz, Doohan, Criville and so many other great riders,” he adds. “It’s all been a great experience, especially racing with the Ducati Marlboro Team. I’ve won three races in 500 and MotoGP but I’ve enjoyed them all, they’ve all been the best. Maybe most of all I’ve enjoyed making a lot of friends over the last 15 years. How much longer will I race? I don’t now, maybe two, three or four years because I still love what I do so much.”

Capirossi first hit the headlines in his debut GP season in 1990 when he won the 125 title at the age of just 17, then retained the title the next year. He remains the sport’s youngest-ever word champ despite a lowering of the minimum age limit from 16 to 15.

LORIS CAPIROSSI DATA LOG
Date of birth: April 4 1973 (age 31)
Marital status: married to Ingrid
Lives: Monaco
Birth place: Rio Le Terme, Italy
Height: 164cm. Weight: 58kg
Sports: Trials, swimming
First pole: Australia, 1991 (125)
Interests: movies, Classical music

GP Victories: 23 (1xMotoGP, 2×500, 12×250, 8×125)
World Championships: 3 (125: 1990, 1991, 250: 1998)
GP debut: Suzuka, Japan, 1990 (125)
First GP victory: Britain, 1990 (125)
GP starts: 210 (40xMotoGP, 59×500, 84×250, 27×125)
Pole positions: 36 (3xMotoGP, 5×500, 23×250, 5×125)

RACE RECORD
1988 8th 125 Italian Sport Production Championship (Mancini)
1989 4th 125 European Championship (Honda)
1990 125 World Champion (Honda)
1991 125 World Champion (Marlboro Pileri Honda)
1992 12th 250 World Championship (Marlboro Pileri Honda)
1993 2nd 250 World Championship (Marlboro Pileri Honda)
1994 3rd 250 World Championship (Marlboro Pileri Honda)
1995 6th 500 World Championship (Marlboro Pileri Honda)
1996 10th 500 World Championship (Marlboro Yamaha Team Rainey)
1997 6th 250 World Championship (Aprilia)
1998 250 World Champion (Aprilia)
1999 3rd 250 World Championship (Honda)
2000: 7th 500 World Championship (Honda)
2001: 3rd 500 World Championship (Honda)
2002: 8th MotoGP World Championship (Honda)
2003: 4th MotoGP World Championship (Ducati Marlboro Team)