Capirossi boosted by Japan victory

The Italian has had a disappointing year while his teammate Casey Stoner has taken the MotoGP title, but Capirossi feels that he can finish the year with more good performances before he leaves Ducati to ride for Suzuki next year.

"My first part of the season was not very good," said the 34-year-old. "But after the good race in Japan my motivation is maybe better.

"I hope to have better opportunities for the last three races, so I try my best, especially to finish in a good way with Ducati."

Capirossi believes that Ducati will be strong at Phillip Island this weekend, where the team had a strong test over the winter.

"We had a good winter test here, and I like the bike to ride on this kind of track," he said. "I am quite confident, but we will see about the weather. Nobody knows what it is going to do tomorrow or the next day."