From a press release issued by Ducati:

CAPIROSSI MAKES FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO DUCATI FACTORY



Loris Capirossi finally appeared in Ducati colours today as he made his first official visit to the Italian manufacturer’s factory in Borgo Panigale, Bologna.

Capirossi and Australian Troy Bayliss will spearhead Team Ducati Marlboro in the 2003 MotoGP championship with the Desmosedici as they bring the famous Italian name back to the elite class of motorcycle racing for the first time in over thirty years.

The Italian, to all effects a Ducati rider only from the start of this year, toured the factory and the museum and met Ducati Motor Holding Chairman, Federico Minoli, and CEO, Carlo Di Biagio, as well as receiving a warm welcome from the entire company.

“We are very proud to have Loris officially with us” declared Federico Minoli. “It is a great moment for Ducati because it opens up a very bright future. The real test however will be the race-track and the entire company will be cheering for him in April at the first round of the championship in Japan. Having an Italian rider on an Italian bike is a dream come true, we are both from Emilia-Romagna and we both share the same passion for racing”.

After setting excellent times in pre-season testing at Jerez and Phillip Island in November and December, Capirossi spent a couple of weeks in Australia on holiday with his wife Ingrid, and the 29-year-old from Castel San Pietro returns to Italy justifiably upbeat about his first season with an official factory team in the second year of MotoGP.

“I have in fact felt part of Ducati since the start of the year” declared Capirossi. “I have had an excellent reception here, the company is really well-prepared, full of professionals and we are making a lot of progress together. It is a pleasure to form part of a motorcycle manufacturer like Ducati and I am sure we can obtain some great satisfaction together”.

Loris, together with Troy, will next be in action at Malaysia’s Sepang circuit where Ducati Corse’s pre-season testing programme continues from January 20-22.