Loris Capirossi will have to miss his last ever race in Japan.
.
The Pramac Ducati rider re-injured himself during last weekend’s Aragon GP when he clipped Toni Elias’s Honda in an overtaking pass and crashed out together with the Spaniard, while Elias was unhurt, Capirossi dislocated his right shoulder.
Capirex was already carrying a similar shoulder injury from his highside during qualifying at Assen, which forced him to miss the Assen, Mugello and Sachsenring GPs and now Dr.
Claudio Costa has advised him that if he wants to see out the rest of the season before he retires, he should skip the Motegi round.
“I wanted to race in Japan, one of my favorite tracks where I have achieved many good results and much satisfaction, but the doctors were more than clear,” said Capirossi.
“After an initial consultation in Monaco, where it was recommended I immediately undergo surgery, which would have meant three months out and the end of my career, I went to Imola to see Dr.
Costa.
He is used to seeing other riders in these conditions, and I thought he might have other ideas.
Unfortunately, he was also quite hard about it, and I was strongly advised not to take part in the Japanese race.
My shoulder hurts, and it will take at least two weeks of full rest plus a week of rehabilitation.
I regret this very much, but I think this is the best choice for ending my season, and my career, in the best way possible for the last three races in Australia, Malaysia and Valencia.
”The legendary Doctor Costa said, “I saw Loris’ fall, which was spectacular and of course very dangerous.
He again suffered a dislocation of the right clavicle, which he had already dislocated in the Netherlands Grand Prix.
Now if he were to have another similar accident, with the ligaments that have just healed and are therefore no longer totally healthy, it could be dangerous and not worth the risk.
Strong pressure would be enough to damage his shoulder even more and thus obligate Loris to surgery and consequently the end of his career.
My suggestion is that, although it is difficult, he should take a break and miss the race in Japan in order to keep the shoulder protected for two weeks by immobilizing it.
After that, a week of therapy in the water and he can return to the track for the last three races.
”With the Pramac Ducati rider out, the grid will see 18 riders, including Honda’s two wildcards Shinichi Ito and Kousuke Akiyoshi.