Loris Capirossi

When in 2003, after a first participation in the MotoGP championship in 1971, Ducati returned to competition in the premier class with the Desmosedici, riding next to Troy Bayliss was one of the veterans of MotoGP: Loris Capirossi.

Winner in 1990 and 1991 of the 125cc world championship and 1998 champion in the 250cc class, Loris faced the new challenge with enthusiasm, demonstrating the incredible potential of a bike that was not always easy to handle.

Capirossi's Desmosedici had a stunning début at the first race in Suzuka in 2003, leading the race at the end of the first lap and finishing in third place. 

Three months later, in June 2003, he took a historic and incredible victory in Catalunya, ending his first year of MotoGP in third place in the final standings.

While the 2004 season was not so successful, in 2005 Loris Capirossi won twice with the Desmosedici mounted with Bridgestone tires, while in 2006 he was leading in the standings before the accident that would disrupt his season. 

In 2007, riding alongside Casey Stoner, Loris concluded his experience with the official Ducati team by winning in Japan on the same day that Stoner won the rider's title.

After a period with Suzuki, Capirossi concluded his 20-year career in 2011, again riding a bike from Borgo Panigale, racing for the Pramac Ducati team.