‘Butterflies in my stomach again’: Loris Capirossi honoured as a MotoGP legend

The San Marino Grand Prix is also the home event for one of the biggest names in Italian motorcycling: Loris Capirossi – who lives with his family near Imola, an hour’s drive from Misano. As previously announced on SPEEDWEEK.com, the Italian took centre stage on Saturday. MotoGP mastermind Carmelo Ezpeleta officially named the 29-time Grand Prix winner – who secured 99 podium finishes during his 20-year career – a MotoGP Legend in recognition of his sporting achievements.

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of the MotoGP Group, was visibly moved as he presented the medal of honour. “For me, it is an exceptionally personal matter and a great moment to honour Loris. I’ve been very fortunate to witness his entire career first-hand – from his first World Championship race at Jarama right up to today, in his role as a key figure in improving safety standards within MotoGP. Loris is more than just a great rider – he’s part of the MotoGP family and a fantastic character.”

Capirossi, 36 years after winning his first World Championship title as a rookie in the 125cc World Championship, was overwhelmed: “What a moment – I could never have dreamt of this, and to receive this honour now is a particularly emotional moment. I’d like to say thank you – to everyone here today, because it’s the people who make up MotoGP and whom I’ve been able to experience and appreciate for so many years.”

Nürburgring 1990: GP-Novize Loris Capirossi auf der 125er-Honda

Foto: Seidenglanz

‘Capirex’, who remains the youngest (17!) motorcycle world champion to this day, continued: ‘You’ve all supported me, always. It’s also important to me to thank the manufacturers. Honda – they put their faith in me and made my first titles possible. To Aprilia, who gave me their fantastic 250cc bike, and to Yamaha for my victory in the 500cc class. And the fantastic opportunity to win in MotoGP with Ducati and to fight for the World Championship on the Desmosedici. Not to mention Suzuki. It was with them that I was able to celebrate my final podium in MotoGP.”

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Team Capirossi bei der Ernennung von Legende «Capirex»

Foto: Seidenglanz

With tears in his eyes, the Italian accepted the honour: “I’d like to dedicate this award to my family. My dad, my mum, my brother, my wife and my son – they’re the most important thing. A career like this is only possible with a strong family.”

The MotoGP legend then turned once more to his long-time colleague Carmelo Ezpeleta: “Just how special all this is to me is evident from how I feel. In all my years as a rider, I’d get butterflies in my stomach two hours before the start – and this morning I had exactly that same feeling again.”