Capirossi calls for engine improvements

Loris Capirossi believes there is more pace to wring from Rizla Suzuki's 2009 FIM MotoGP World Championship challenger despite impressive displays in pre-season testing.

The Italian was consistently at the sharp end of the standings during recent tests in Malaysia and Qatar.

The veteran Italian insists the best is yet to come, however, and pinpointed the engine as an area that the Suzuki engineers need to work on between now and the opening race of the season at the Losail circuit on April 12.

"I like the bike," said Capirossi.

"We aren't 100% 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 [the final pre-season test at] Jerez.

"If we are competitive there too, then it means we are ready for a fine season.

"Frame-wise and balance-wise we are in good shape.

"Our bike isn't bad, but we lack a bit more power in the engine."