Italian manufacturer Ducati and star rider
Loris Capirossi have never been in such a strong position heading into their home grand prix, at Mugello, next weekend.
A race-winning start to the 2006
MotoGP season has been followed by consistent performances ever since, putting Capirossi second equal on points with countryman
Marco Melandri after five races - just four-points behind
Nicky Hayden - with Ducati currently holds second place in the constructors' championship.
As such, should Capirossi claim a dream win in next weekend's race it would put him back into the championship lead - and he's certainly got nationality on his side.
"For me, Mugello is
so good, such a great event. Every year we go there it's a special moment for the Italian riders. In fact, pretty much since 2000 - when I won after a big battle with Valentino and Biaggi - the race has been an Italian affair," pointed out Loris.
"And Mugello is extra special for me because the Ducati factory is only 60km down the road, which is great for all the staff who come to watch us race. It is an excellent track, very unusual, with an interesting mix of corners -
fast, slow, up and down - so you have a little bit of everything. I always enjoy it a lot.
"Getting second at the last race in France was fantastic, it was very good for me and for our championship hopes. I have to say thanks again to Ducati and to Bridgestone, everyone is working so hard for this project. Bridgestone brought new tyres to Le Mans which helped me get another
podium," he concluded.
Capirossi and his Desmosedici have scored podium finishes in two of their last three visits to Mugello, while new team-mate
Sete Gibernau was just a fraction of a second away from winning the 2004 Italian GP and qualified second fastest for last year's race - before falling from his Movistar Honda early in the race.
"I am looking forward to Mugello because we definitely took a step forward on bike set-up at the last race. We worked some more on settings and improved things, so I felt much more comfortable," said the Spaniard, who
finished eighth at Le Mans after being forced into the gravel trap at the first chicane.
"Mugello is a challenging track for me but I've done well there a few times. And this year it will be a special race for me because it's Italy and I am now riding an Italian bike. I've always had some great fans in Italy and I guess I'll be getting some more support this year, now I'm riding with Ducati.
