Capirossi says he won't be 100 percent

The Rizla Suzuki rider was forced to miss the British Grand Prix last weekend after injuring his hand in a crash at the race in Barcelona.

Capirossi was replaced by American Ben Spies at Donington but he will be back in action this weekend.

"It's not too bad," Capirossi told a news conference on Wednesday. "It's not many days since the injury in Barcelona but my feeling is getting better day by day.

"For sure I know that my condition is not 100 percent but I'm really happy be here and try again to fight with all these guys.

"Riding in Assen is always great. Like everybody says, for sure I prefer the old track but also this one is not too bad because the old part is the same," added the Italian, who has raced in Assen 19 times.

The veteran rider admitted the season had not gone to plan so far, but he is hopeful his team will take a step forward in the next few races.

"The season has not been easy for us but we are working really hard, and Suzuki is also working hard," added the Italian.

"We are just waiting for the race in Brno because maybe we can race the new bike. We always try to give 100 percent and we hope to do better between now and the last part of the season."