PICS: Loris Capirossi given his 1990 grand prix bike!

A special leaving present for Loris Capirossi.
Capirossi, Nakamoto, Valencia MotoGP 2011
Capirossi, Nakamoto, Valencia MotoGP 2011
© Gold and Goose

Loris Capirossi was presented with his 1990 title winning Honda 125cc grand prix bike during a special party on Saturday night at Valencia.

The bike was presented by HRC vice president Shuhei Nakamoto and the riders present for the occasion included reigning MotoGP champion and former Capirossi team-mate Casey Stoner (see below further pictures).

"Loris has been one of the strongest riders in MotoGP for many years, it will be difficult to get used to not seeing him on the bike next year," said Shuhei Nakamoto.

"Honda is proud to have given him the chance to win his first and second titles and many victories in all classes. Good luck to him and his wonderful family in their new life and thanks for all the passion he gave us!"

Capirossi will retire after this afternoon's Valencia MotoGP, ending a remarkable 22-year career in grand prix racing.

Capirossi was undefeated as a 125cc grand prix rider, winning the championship in both 1990 and 1991. He then moved to 250cc and won a further title in 1998.

The Italian, who will race at Valencia with the #58 on his Pramac Ducati in memory of Marco Simoncelli, is a winner of nine races in the premier 500cc/MotoGP class.

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