Loris Capirossi’s disappointing DNF at Estoril has not dampened the Italian competitor’s positive mind of the progress his GSV-R engine has made this year.

He will continue with the same outfit next year, unfortunately he had to retire on the 20th lap on the Portuguese circuit, after a technical issue with his bike where he was unable to continue.

Capirossi was challenging for the battle for sixth position which was occurring between Toni Elías (San Carlo Honda Gresini) and Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda), he tried to secure his championship ranking of seventh.

The 36-year-old stays at seventh place in the overall rankings, however his points advantage to nearest rival Randy de Puniet (LCR Honda) has been reduced to four, with a pack of six other competitors all capable of taking Capirossi's spot in the last three events of the year.

Capirossi is keeping a positive outlook prior to the coming Iveco Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island, and comments, “The Estoril race wasn’t too bad - until we stopped! I started quite well and was with the front group, but I then lost control on turn six and lost a few places. I tried to get my rhythm back and I managed to overtake a few riders and I caught up with Toni and Andrea. I know I was quicker than them and could have got past to score a good result.”

“Then I don't really know what happened to the bike, because it lost power, so all I could do was return to the pits. We have worked really hard this weekend to find the best way to go quicker on the GSV-R and overall our position this weekend was to fight for fifth or sixth, which is not too bad for us because this is one of the worst tracks for us in terms of performance.”

“Everything seems to be improving and we are now looking forward to the next race,” he adds.

Capirossi’s Suzuki colleague Chris Vermeulen placed tenth from 15th on the grid, having challenged his way through the field. He states, “I am quite happy with the way I rode and the fact that I moved up through the field,” he said. “We’ve definitely made improvements with the GSV-R at this track and I’m really looking forward to going to Phillip Island with those improvements.”