from ... Honda farewells Loris Capirossi

Tuesday 08 November: Honda Motor Co and Honda Racing Corporation would like to wish MotoGP legend Loris Capirossi all the best on the occasion of his final race and retirement from Grand Prix racing.

Capirossi is one of the most remarkable racers to have starred in the history of the World Championships. He has been a full-time Grand Prix rider for more than half his life, amassing many records along the way. No one has had a longer career in the sport and the Italian has started more GP races – an astonishing 328, including today’s finale – and amassed more points than any other rider. He is also the sport’s youngest-ever World Champion.

"Loris has been one of the strongest riders in MotoGP for many years, it will be difficult to get used to not seeing him on the bike next year,” said Shuhei Nakamoto, HRC Vice-President. "Honda is proud to have given him the chance to win his first and second titles and many victories in all classes. Good luck to him and his wonderful family in their new life and thanks for all the passion he gave us!”

Capirossi has ridden many makes of machinery but he made his GP debut at Suzuka in March 1990 and won his first GP victories and World Championship that year on a Honda. The Italian secured the title aboard his Team Pileri RS125 at the age of 17 years and 165 days and went on to retain the crown the following season. He graduated to the 250 class in 1992, aboard a Honda RS250, and won his first 250 GP the following summer aboard a NSR250, his first full-factory machine. He came very close to taking the 250 crown that year, only missing out by four points at the last race.

In 1995 Capirossi graduated to the 500 category aboard a Honda NSR500, still with Team Pileri, and scored his first premier-class podium at Catalunya. He took a single 500 GP victory with Honda, at Mugello in 2000, when he was riding for Team Honda Pons. That success took his total of Honda GP wins to 19: eight on 125s, ten on 250s and that one on a 500.

Honda would like to thank Capirossi for his talent, bravery and determination during a glittering career and is sure that he will make a great success of whatever path he chooses to follow once he has hung up his leathers and helmet.