Capirossi Staying With Rizla Suzuki

The veteran racer, currently the oldest on the MotoGP circuit, will sign a one-year contract extension during the Aug. 28-30 Indianapolis Grand Prix. Capirossi will race with the up-and-coming 24-year-old Alvaro Bautista for Rizla Suzuki.

I am very happy to continue working with Suzuki and everyone involved with the Racing Group and the team. I love working with my crew and feel really at home here, says Capirossi. When I joined

Rizla Suzuki describes Capirossi as a highly respected and influential figure, qualities that should help with the development of both the GSV-R and Bautista who will make the jump from the 250cc class to the premier MotoGP class in 2010.

Loris brings so much character, bravery and experience to Suzuki, and his technical input is invaluable. He still has an enormous drive and determination to succeed we now have to react to his requests and give him the tools to be as competitive as possible, says Team Manager 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 wont want to be beaten by the younger guy so I am sure he will be fighting hard!

On behalf of Suzuki Motor Corporation and the whole team, including title sponsor Rizla, I want to wish Chris the best of luck in his future career, says Denning. He has been a great asset to us and a true professional at all times even when things have not quite gone to plan. We have had some amazing high-points with Chris taking Suzukis first four-stroke Grand Prix win at Le Mans in 2007 being the obvious highlight. We hope that he continues to have success throughout his career and trust that Chris, Toni (Vermeulens girlfriend) and his family will always remain friends of the team.