Loris Capirossi would consider quitting MotoGP for World Superbikes next year, the veteran Italian has revealed.
Capirossi, who has nine premier class victories to his name plus world titles in the 125 and 250cc grand prix categories, has had a frustrating year with the midfield Pramac Ducati squad and has been suffering from a long-standing shoulder injury that has hampered his own performance. After previously ruling out a switch of codes, Capirossi is now open to such a move.
"It's complicated: I'm trying to figure out what I'll do when I grow up," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Superbikes? You never know. Everything is so vague at the moment. I'm not saying I'd race there, but I'm not saying I wouldn't, either."
Capirossi said that his injury, which was sustained in a qualifying shunt at the Dutch TT – but caused him to miss only two races – is still bothering him and that he believes he will need surgery on it. However, he does not want any medical procedures to stop him from completing the season.
"The crash moved it upwards, squeezing the area the tendons go through," he added. "I will maybe have to undergo surgery to file and reduce the bone: it's a ridiculous operation, but it will force me to stand still for a month plus two more months for rehabilitation. It's impossible to stop now, I just hope it won't hurt too badly."
"I'll decide [what to do] at Misano [two rounds from now]."