Bike Blog

Loris Capirossi has confirmed he rejected a surprise late approach from Ducati after his new Suzuki deal was announced in Indianapolis.

Capirossi confirmed yesterday that he was approached about a shock return during the Czech Republic GP earlier this month, which he claims came on the back of a bid by Ducati to re-sign him in Mugello.

The bid came from Phillip Morris, with Ducati and Marlboro plunged into crisis by Casey Stoner’s three-race sabbatical to recover from on-going health issues.

Desperate to try and find a replacement for Stoner should the Aussie never return, as has been the subject of intense speculation, Capirossi was sounded out about his interest.

The Italian veteran, who is Ducati’s second most successful rider behind Stoner, quit the Bologna factory in 2007 and he told MCN he has zero interest in returning.

When asked if he had been targeted, with Ducati at the time also launching a big money raid for Yamaha star Jorge Lorenzo, he said: “Yes, but it’s not my goal.”

Was there anything Ducati could have done to tempt him back after his five-year stint on board a Desmosedici between 2003 and ’07?

“It’s really easy to say, I say no. It was a simple no way, not interested, “said the 36-year-old triple world champion.

Capirossi shunned Ducati’s shock move and instead signed a one-year extension to his current deal with Suzuki. He will partner Spaniard Alvaro Bautista with Aussie Chris Vermeulen dropped.