Capirossi: I'd be the happiest rider on Earth

VETERAN GRAND PRIX racer Loris Capirossi has said he would be 'the happiest rider on Earth' if MotoGP's return to 1000cc engines was brought forward a year to 2011, instead of 2012, as planned.

Speaking to Motosprint magazine, the seasoned Italian ace said: "If the 1000cc bikes come back in 2011, and I think this is possible, then I'd be the happiest rider on Earth.

"It's 99 per cent certain I'll still be on the track after this season. I absolutely think so, because I'll decide to hang up the helmet based on my level of satisfaction. If it's an enjoyable season, with me fighting, if I'm satisfied with myself, then I may decide to quit.

"But after a 2009 so full of trouble, I'm not even thinking about this possibility."

The FIM recently announced MotoGP will return to 1000cc engines for 2012, from the 800cc regime currently in place. However, Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta, the man behind the MotoGP series, has hinted that the new rules could be brought forward to next year.

The 2010 MotoGP season begins at Losial Circuit, Qatar, on April 11th.