CAPIROSSI FINISHES 2ND TO RETAKE SERIES LEAD
Ducati Marlboro Team riders Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau
played starring roles in today's enthralling Italian Grand
Prix, both riders leading to the delight of the Italian fans
before finally finishing second and fifth.
Capirossi came back brilliantly from a sluggish start to
take the lead on lap 15. From there he fought a thrilling
duel with compatriot Valentino Rossi, ending the race just
0.575 seconds down to retake the World Championship lead,
though equal on points with third-place finisher Nicky Hayden.
During the early stages Gibernau was Rossi's biggest threat,
the Spaniard leading on several occasions before the toe-slider
on his right boot got damaged. Gibernau slipped back before
mounting a spirited comeback, rapidly closing on fourth-place
finisher Dani Pedrosa. By the finish he had worn right through
the boot and his little toe was bleeding.
Capirossi and Gibernau raced with special livery to celebrate
three anniversaries: Ducati's 80th birthday, the 60th anniversary
of the company starting motorcycle production and the 50th
anniversary of its first use of the desmodromic valve system.
LORIS CAPIROSSI, finished 2nd, 1st overall (99 points)
"My start was so bad and I had chosen quite hard tyres
so I was a little bit quiet in the first few laps. When my
rhythm came good I started overtaking guys, though it wasn't
easy because everyone was going so quick today. The battle
with Valentino and Nicky was great, we overtook each other
many times but always in a correct manner, it's always so
nice to ride with Valentino. I enjoy races like that even
if I don't win! To win here at Mugello is the best, but today
I'm happy with second. Everyone in the team made a really
great job this weekend, so thanks to them all. Bridgestone
are coming better and better, we're at a very high level now
and I hope we can continue improving. Our season started so
well and it continues to go well, now I want more of this!"
SETE GIBERNAU, finished 5th, 9th overall (44 points)
"We had a few moments out there but we had good fun and
I enjoyed it a lot, it's been a while since I've been riding
to win a race. I led a few laps, it was nice to be up there
again and we fought good, so it was perfect. The team did
a great job and Bridgestone did a great job too, they gave
me a real good bike and tyres, so all credit to the guys,
though the bike was a little wobbly on the main straight!
When I had the problem with my boot it was difficult to adapt,
it took two laps or so to adjust, then I came back. It was
just a pity what happened with my boot, but that's racing.
I'm starting to enjoy riding again and I'm beginning to really
understand how to get the best out of the Ducati."
FEDERICO MINOLI, Ducati Motor Holding CEO and president
"That was a great way to mark the three anniversaries
we are celebrating this year. We had a one-two on the grid
and we were in the thick of the action for the race win. Loris
rode like a lion, making an unbelievable comeback, while Sete
showed once again that he's a great rider, without that boot
problem he would also have fought for the win. "
Temperatures: Ambient: 20 degrees. Track: 29 degrees
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