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Rizla Suzuki racers Álvaro Bautista and Loris Capirossi arrive to the Monster Energy Grand Prix de France this
weekend with different physical statuses, but with the same goal of improving their records at the Le Mans track.
Bautista is still healing from an operation on a broken collarbone which he incurred in a motocross training incident last
week, the Spaniard’s eagerness is continuing whilst attempting to collect Championship points in his debut year.
“Unfortunately for me I had a small accident last week and broke a bone in my shoulder. It has been repaired
and although it is quite painful I am totally focused on the weekend ahead,” says Bautista.
“Le Mans
is not one of my favourite tracks and it is the only one that I have not had a podium at, so it would be great to change that
as soon as possible! I was on pole there in 2009 (in the 250cc class), but only finished fourth, so I need to try and break
that record.”
The issue that he will be racing through the agony of his injury has done nothing to lessen
Bautista’s goals prior to the event. He continues, “I was 10th at Jerez and although I was top rookie I still
want to do better. I didn’t get a very good start in Spain and I have to work on that, I did some practice in the Test
so I hope I will be able to improve in time for the race. The most important thing is just to ride the bike, and I will do
my best.”
Capirossi saw the podium at Le Mans in 2006 and has never ended outside the top 10 at the circuit.
The Italian is very keen to get back to competition racing.
“It’s amazing to think we’re almost
in June and we’ve only had two races,” explains Capirossi. “With such little action it is difficult to judge
where we are at the moment, but the one-day Test after the last race in Jerez was very good for us and we made some positive
steps.”
“Le Mans is always a gamble because you never know what weather to expect, so we will need
to be ready for anything. One thing is for sure, I am ready to get back to work and excited about the prospects we have ahead
– and I hope Alvaro is ready to ride, he is improving all the time and we need two strong riders.”
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