MotoGP 2005

Ducati Marlboro Team rider Loris Capirossi made history in today's steaming-hot Marlboro Malaysian Grand Prix, claiming the legendary Ducati factory's first-ever back-to-back MotoGP victory, just seven days after winning the Japanese GP. And team-mate Carlos Checa made more history for the marque by taking third place for the Ducati Marlboro Team's first-ever double podium result.

Capirossi rode an epic race from pole position, battling back and forth with World Champion Valentino Rossi, while Checa stormed through the pack after losing time in a frantic turn-one melee. The whole team dedicated this emotional result to Ducati MotoGP project manager Livio Suppo and his family. Suppo's mother-in-law died earlier this week.

"That was an exciting race for the fans!" said Ducati Marlboro Team technical director Corrado Cecchinelli. "But this win belongs to the whole team, to everyone back home who kept working through some hard times and to Bridgestone. And we dedicate the victory to Livio and his family. Today our package was better than the rest. It's a combination of rider, bike and tyres, none of these three can win by themselves. After these two wins I think we can say we have the perfect mix!"

The Ducati Marlboro Team didn't get to celebrate in Japan last Sunday - they had to travel to Tokyo airport - but they intend to make up for that tonight. "I think we will spend some ringgits in Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur tonight!" added Cecchinelli.

Loris Capirossi was in unforgettable form this afternoon, winning the Ducati Marlboro Team's second consecutive race by almost two seconds from Valentino Rossi. The two Italians enjoyed an enthralling battle, Capirossi leading until just after half distance when Rossi attacked, leading for two laps before Capirossi retook the lead at turn one with eight laps to go. This victory was the 32-year-old's 25th and his third with the Ducati Marlboro Team. He now lies third in the World Championship after scoring two wins and a second-place from the last three GPs.

"It's been a fantastic week!" grinned Capirossi, who started from pole position for the second consecutive weekend. "Today was tougher than Motegi, but Bridgestone brought a great selection of tyres and we worked hard to understand which would be the best for the race. After the start I tried not to use my tyres too much, I wanted to control the race. Then my pit board told me Valentino was coming, and when you have a seven-time World Champion behind you, you know he's coming! I did my best but he overtook, then I did some great laps in the end. I've been racing GPs for 16 years now but my potential is still strong and I want more wins! Thanks to everyone and I want to dedicate this win to Livio."

Carlos Checa was the fastest man on track at several stages of today's race as he battled back from eighth place on lap one. The Ducati Marlboro Team man was forced wide at turn one and worked incredibly well to score his first podium with the team. He fought long and hard with Nicky Hayden, finally taking third at turn nine with five laps to go. Then he zeroed in on Valentino Rossi, finishing just metres behind the champ.

"I knew I had to get a good start because it's not easy to pass people from the third row," said 'El Toro'. "But when I flicked into the first turn I had to run wide to avoid contact. That totally changed my race, it wasn't easy to come back but I set my pace and saw the leaders losing time as they battled together. I had a lot of fun with Nicky, though it's not easy to out-brake someone at over 300kmh! Then I saw Valentino struggling. The last turn was exciting but he defended his position too well. We started this year with a new package, it was tough to start with, but now we are reaping the reward. My thanks to everyone and I want to dedicate this race to Livio's family."

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