Loris: Bike at 80 per cent

Loris Capirossi believes Ducati’s new 800cc contender is only at 80 per cent of its potential as the Italian continues to seek electronic improvements to the V4 GP7.

The former world 125 and 250 champion set his best time on a Bridgestone qualifying tyre but was able to run some consistently fast laps on race rubber.

But this was only after solving some engine and electronic management system troubles that struck on the opening two days.

Capirossi, who is preparing for his 18th season in world championship racing, said: “It’s at 80 per cent. I think we have to work a lot with the engine. 

“Normally we are working a lot for the power at the beginning and this is why we are using the Screamer firing order. Now we can really start to work to have a smooth engine.

“I think the Screamer is the best to have horsepower and to have power quickly. 

“And for sure our factory is not as big as our competitors, so when we make a project we have to continue with that project for a couple of years. 

“If we started with a Big Bang engine then it would have been easier to go quicker immediately. But next year maybe it’s not enough, so this is why we chose the Screamer.

And he added: “We can use different engine management systems on the 800 and this is why we have to start again with the electronic management system but for me this is not a big problem.”