Capirossi tackles MotoGP safety
2011-11-15 09:16
TRACK ACTION: Loris Capirossi in action at the 2011 Valencia MotoGP.
ROME, Italy - Loris Capirossi, who retired from a 22-year racing career at the end of the 2011 MotoGP season, has been appointed to advise on racing safety.
MotoGP organisers said: "Loris Capirossi will offer the MotoGP World championship advice on matters relating to safety, new regulations, the competition in general and the homologation of tracks."
'VALUABLE INPUT'
The motorcycle racing world is still in shock over Italian rider Marco Simoncelli's death Malaysia in October 2011. A safety investigation was launched into why Simoncelli's helmet came off during the crash.
Simoncelli's death was the first in the premier motorcycle racing class since Daijiro Kato was killed during the 2003 Japanese GP.
"Capirossi's insight will provide highly valuable input as MotoGP welcomes important and significant changes to the sport," the statement added.
Former 125cc and 250cc World champion Capirossi, 38, made his GP debut in 1990 and started 328 races in his career.
Capirossi said: "In recognition of Simoncelli's outstanding contribution to the sport, organisers have asked the International Motorcyling Federation to retire his number, 65, from use in MotoGP."
