Loris Capirossi, slightly out of focus in 2007 image by tim huntington

Last year at Brno, Loris Capirossi won the MotoGP race for Ducati.

The Italian was riding high in the midst of what was his best MotoGP season to date. Had it not been for the pile-up in Barcelona, Loris might have won the World Championship last year.

Now it looks like he's out at Ducati. Capirossi has finished on the podium twice but struggled at most other races in 2007. Adding to the misery, his teammate leads the points.

The Marlboro-backed team has signed Marco Melandri and Casey Stoner for the next two years. The offer for Loris to ride a factory-spec Ducati in the d'Antin team next year was not well received by his agent, according to Italian press reports.

Potential suitors for the 34-year old's services next year include the Suzuki and Kawasaki factory teams. A contract could be announced this weekend.

On the surface, the 800cc MotoGP era seems ideal for Loris. He was successful in the high corner speed world of 250 Grand Prix, winning the championship. Capirossi has won races on the Bridgestone tires, too. He was winning races on the 'Stones even before the new tire rules came into place. The Ducati strategy to return to the "screamer" engine configuration looks to be a brilliant move. But for Loris, it just isn't happening this year.

If there was ever a place to right the ship, it is Brno. A win or good finish would turn things around for the veteran. It would prove he still has something left in the tank for 2008 and maybe beyond.