Capirossi plans to race 16-inch tyre

The Ducati Marlboro rider had a difficult qualifying session, managing no better than 13th after missing the chance for a second qualifying run when he got caught out by the chequered flag.

But after admitting he feels comfortable with the new Bridgestone that has been offered to riders this weekend, he has said that he will take the gamble on the new rubber.

"In the race I will use the 16," said Capirossi. "I have been working a lot to try and find the best setting on it. When I try the 16.5-inch the bike is maybe a little bit lighter, but I can feel good with a 16.

"I made 28 consecutive laps with it and for sure the tyre is not too bad. This is why I want to try something different because at the moment I don't have anything to lose. I want to try something different, something batter."

Capirossi expressed his disappointment about his qualifying efforts, but said he was confident he had the race pace to make an impression this afternoon.

"I thought I had found a not too bad set-up with the bike, and with race tyres I am quite good. But when I put on qualifying (tyres) the first one did not work and the second one needed two laps to go well. But when I start the second lap I take the flag, and my best time I did it with race tyres.

"For sure it is not good and I start not really high up, but my rhythm is good. I think we can do not a too bad race. The feeling from the bike is not too bad now."

Capirossi's teammate Casey Stoner has ruled out using the new 16-inch rear tyre because he thinks it will be too much of a risk considering his championship position.