We were at the Aprilia All Stars and interviewed Loris Capirossi, who paired with Miguel Oliveira won the special race between current riders and Noale legends. From the Misano pitlane, just before mounting the iconic 250cc with which he won the World Championship in 1998, he spoke to us about nostalgia, about Pedro Acosta (“he’s one of those who…”), about the future coexistence in Ducati between Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, how clever Massimo Rivola was to grab Jorge Martín and what will happen in MotoGP in 2027
TO Misano sun, lots of people and a high level of enthusiasm for theAprilia All Stars, an event already well tested and appreciated by motorsport enthusiasts. The big news of the 2024 edition is theAll Stars Racea real race on the RS 660 Extrema which will involve all the Aprilia riders of the MotoGP and of theoff road, lined up paired with the legends of Noale’s sporting history. There is certainly one of these Loris Capirossiwhich only raced for two seasons in Aprilia but left its mark with that overtaking on Harada at the third last corner of the Buenos Aires circuit, which – in addition to the controversies of a story good for a novel best seller – it earned him the 1998 world title 250cc. Today Capirex is back on the bike with the iconic livery, black with the yellow 65 inscribed in a red oval, its trademark racing replicated on the two-stroke tail. In the pitlane of Santa Monica, just before he took to the track, we interviewed him to try to steal a hint from him nostalgia and comment together on this intense, frenetic and exciting phase of MotoGP.
Loris, here we are. You are a pillar of the Aprilia All Stars.
“Yes, I have been taking part in the Aprilia All Stars since the first edition, I am happy to have the opportunity to get on a motorbike at least once a year, also because with work I don’t have much time, so I take this opportunity to be among the fans, to enthusiasts and to ride a motorbike a bit”.
250cc or 125cc, which of the two gives more flavor here in Misano?
“I think the 250cc absolutely gives more flavor, the old two-stroke twin is legendary. We still look like real drivers.”
In MotoGP Aprilia has just signed Martín, taking advantage of hot days in Ducati. How do you see it?
“I think Aprilia did a great job in landing Martín, because he is vice-champion of the 2023 world championship and this year he is leading the world championship. They definitely got a top driver. Ducati clearly confirmed some time ago that Bagnaia is going very well, with Marquez alongside Borgo Panigale will truly have a top-level team.”
Don’t you think they’ll make a mess in that box?
“Ninth. They are both strong, intelligent drivers. It will be nice.”
Livories in Dorna for several years. Do you realize how much MotoGP has grown in recent times following Valentino’s retirement?
“We had the misfortune of catching Covid in 2020 and 2021, which caused us quite a bit of damage. But we have recovered, I think that MotoGP is now returning to what it was before, we have had impressive attendance records this year. The data is very positive, because it indicates that what we offer in terms of sport is of an excellent level”
And in 2027?
There will be a very important change on a technical level, with the possibility that some new manufacturer will enter MotoGP. They will all start more or less from the same level and this is positive.”
Is Pedro Acosta the new phenomenon?
“He’s one of those riders who will leave his mark”
Instead, who are you aiming for this year?
“Ah… we’re not even halfway through the championship. It’s all very open, but I think Pecco has a chance.”
Spoiler: a couple of hours later Loris Capirossi, paired with Miguel Oliveira, will win the All Stars Race and will be moved in front of the Misano crowd
