Capirossi extends Suzuki contract

Capirossi extends Suzuki contract

by tuan.blogger.hettien ~ Friday, August 28, 2009

Loris Capirossi has signed a one-year contract extension with the Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team to finalise their line-up for the 2010 season.

He will race alongside newcomer Alvaro Bautista, meaning there is no place for his current team-mate Chris Vermeulen.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's Indianapolis Grand Prix, Capirossi, 36, said: " I love working with my crew and feel really at home here.

"I love the competition and my ambition to succeed is as strong as ever."

Capirossi is the most experienced rider on the MotoGP grid, having won his first 125cc race at the age of 17 and been world champion in both the 125 and 250cc classes.


He joined Suzuki in 2008, replacing John Hopkins, and will now continue in the bright blue colours for a third year.

"Loris brings so much character, bravery and experience to Suzuki, and his technical input is invaluable," said team chief Paul Denning.

"We hope that Loris, with the youthful exuberance of Alvaro alongside him next season, will be a good partnership.

"Loris is a great team-mate but certainly won't want to be beaten by the younger guy so I am sure he will be fighting hard!"

Australian Vermeulen has been reported to be a challenger for Briton James Toseland's ride with the Tech 3 Yamaha team, and is keen to stay in the MotoGP paddock.

"We are talking with some teams at the moment, but things are not decided yet. Hopefully I will know a lot more after this weekend. The teams are private teams, but we have to wait and see," he said.