Loris Capirossi to miss Japanese GP due to shoulder injury

The Pramac Ducati rider, who will retire from racing at the end of the season, had already injured the same shoulder in a fall at Assen in June and had been struggling with his recovery ahead of the crash with Toni Elias in Spain earlier this month.

Capirossi, 38, said that he had taken the decision to miss the Motegi race under advice from MotoGP medical delegate Dr Claudio Costa, and believes that doing so will prevent the need to bring forward his retirement.

"I wanted to race in Japan. It is one of my favorite tracks where I have achieved many good results and much satisfaction, but the doctors were more than clear," said the winner of nine premier class grands prix.

"After an initial consultation in Monaco, where it was recommended I immediately undergo surgery, which would have meant three months out and the end of my career, I went to Imola to see Dr. Costa. He is used to seeing other riders in these conditions, and I thought he might have other ideas.

"Unfortunately, he was also quite hard about it, and I was strongly advised not to take part in the Japanese race. My shoulder hurts, and it will take at least two weeks of full rest plus a week of rehabilitation. I regret this very much, but I think this is the best choice for ending my season, and my career, in the best way possible for the last three races in Australia, Malaysia and Valencia."

Pramac has not announced whether it will replace Capirossi at Motegi or slim down to a single-bike operation for Randy de Puniet.

Sylvain Guintoli deputised for Capirossi in Germany while Andrea Iannone has also tested for the squad this year. Both have commitments that weekend with Guintoli on World Superbike duty in France and Iannone competing in Moto2 at Motegi.