Rapid Capirossi shrugs off crash

The Italian took third place in today's practice session, but fell at the first corner, San Donato, immediately after setting his best time.

"Apart from the crash it has been a very positive day here in Mugello," Capirossi said. "We started with two different bikes and one was very good and gave me a good feeling. Overall I am very happy with the day's work.

"I made the mistake and crashed at the end, it was my fault and I know what caused it so it is no big problem. I know we can still improve this weekend and I am confident for the race."

Team boss Paul Denning believes today's result is a sign of real progress for Suzuki.

"After a difficult start to the year it is obviously encouraging to see Loris put the bike in the top three," he said. "The guys have made some setting changes which have helped his confidence and feedback on the bike."

Capirossi's team-mate Alvaro Bautista was slowest, five seconds off the pace, as he continued to struggle following his recent injuries - but insisted he planned to race this weekend.

"I had a very hard practice because I thought I was in better condition than I am," Bautista said.

"I feel better than I did at Le Mans, but it is still very hard to change direction and I don't have enough strength in my left arm to ride the bike how I would like to. I am using all my body and this is making me go slower than I want.

"My target this weekend is to get more confident with the bike and to get a good feeling. I am determined to finish on Sunday, so that is my first goal."

Denning is sure Bautista will be in better shape as the weekend progresses.

"For Alvaro this afternoon was nothing more than re-acclimatisation and to find out what his body is capable of," he said. "After a visit to the Clinica Mobile this evening and perhaps some treatment to reduce the pain significantly tomorrow - which he didn't have today - he should be in a position to improve a lot and to do his best to complete the grand prix on Sunday."