Pramac Ducati's Loris Capirossi will miss the Motegi MotoGP round after being given the choice of resting the shoulder he dislocated at Aragon for one round or having surgery which would have ended his career a few races early.

Capirossi was involved in a tangle with Toni Elias when the pint-sized Italian crashed into the back of the pint-sized Catalonian during the race in Spain and, after consultations with the legendary Dr Costa, Capirossi will take a race off.

“I wanted to race in Japan, one of my favorite tracks where I have achieved many good results and much satisfaction, but the doctors were more than clear. 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," saidd Capirossi.

"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.”