Capirossi expects very strong 2009

The veteran Italian was consistently in the top three at the Sepang test, and in the top six at Losail, as Suzuki proved to be Ducati and Yamaha's closest challenger.

"I like the bike," Capirossi told Motosprint. "We aren't 100 per cent engine-wise but in Qatar, on a track where we had always suffered, we didn't go bad at all.

"At the moment I'll just say that we can be competitive. I'm saying this because when we got to Malaysia I told myself: 'if we are quick by the time we leave this place, then that means we are really competitive.' The same thing happened in Qatar.

"Now I'm looking forward to Jerez. If we are competitive there too, then it means we are ready for a fine season."

But he admitted that Suzuki's horsepower deficit remained a concern.

"Frame-wise and balance-wise we are in good shape," Capirossi said. "Our bike isn't bad, but we lack a bit more power in the engine.

"But this is a type of work that can't be done on the track, it must be done back home, at the racing department. We can only do what we've done so far: work on engine mapping and set-up.

"We are finding better rideability, but we need more horsepower when we are on the straight."

Capirossi added that he was trying not to get carried away with his expectations for the season.

"My age advises me to keep my feet on the ground, but if I really must, I'll say that I'd like to fight in every race to get in the top five positions," he said.