Capirossi: 800s like 500s

Loris Capirossi reckons the new generation 800cc machines are a throwback to riding the fearsome 500cc two-strokes replaced years ago.

The 33-year-old factory Ducati rider has made big strides with taming an aggressive power delivery on Ducati’s new GP7 since a revised engine management system was introduced in Jerez last November.

Capirossi, who enjoyed his best premier class season in 2006 with three victories, said: “At the beginning we were fighting with the bike but this happens when you start working with a completely new project. 

We understood really well the old 990cc bike but with this one everything is new, also the engine braking system is different. 

“Our engine is still a little bit aggressive but I think everybody says that about 800s.

The riding style is similar to the old 500cc two-stroke bikes because we don’t have a lot of torque and the bike becomes a little bit more difficult to ride.”

Capirossi feels the 800s are a throwback to years ago