Capirossi set for 'emotional' debut

The 34-year-old Italian, embarking on his ninth season at motorcycle racing's top level and his 18th on the world championship tour, says he can't wait to open the latest chapter of a career that has included stints on factory Aprilias, Yamahas, Hondas, and most recently, Ducatis.

"This is a very exciting race for me as it is my first time racing a Suzuki and I am really looking forward to that, as it will be an emotional time for me," he said. "I really feel like part of the Suzuki family and they are doing everything possible to help me."

Suzuki's 2008 GSV-R proved inauspicious in early pre-season testing but the team reported making significant progress in the final test under floodlights in Qatar last week.

"We have done a lot of testing leading up to the first race and we are almost ready, we will use the practice days to sort out a few things, but I am sure on race-night we will be 100% prepared and ready to go!" said Capirossi.

Teammate Chris Vermeulen was equally encouraged by the progress made in Qatar and reckons Suzuki can expect to be in the fight come Sunday.

"I am really pumped up about the whole forthcoming weekend," he said. "We have done loads of testing since the end of last year and have now got a good base package to work with on the 2008 bike, so we will certainly be looking to get a good result."

The Australian, who took his maiden victory in France last year, also reckons that opening the season with a night-race - the first in MotoGP history - will add a new dimension to the sport for the fans.

"It's a whole new experience for us to race at night," he said, "the NASCAR guys do it in America and Formula One will race at night later this year, but I'm sure this race will create a lot of interest and a lot of spectators will be watching to see how it goes.

"For me the toughest part is staying awake - I'm an 'early to bed' type as I said before the test - but I'm sure I'll be alright!"