After five years and seven race wins with Ducati, Capirossi has signed up to a 'big change' that will see him partner Chris Vermeulen on a GSV-R for the 2008 MotoGP season. The 34-year-old will be replacing John Hopkins, who is moving to Kawasaki.
"The race team and all the staff at Suzuki headquarters are very happy and excited to be able to announce Loris as our new rider for 2008. He brings experience, determination and excitement to Suzuki's Grand Prix team and - most important of all - the motivation, knowledge and self confidence to win," declared team manager Paul Denning,
"2007 has not been the best of seasons for Loris, but there is no doubt that his ability and drive to win is 100% as he showed in Japan. Suzuki has improved its motorcycle massively and I am sure his knowledge will be a big influence in the future development of the GSV-R. I also believe that he will be a great team-mate for Chris. I'm positive they will be battling hard every weekend but also working well together off the track.
"We see the agreement with Loris as the next step in Suzuki's road back to challenging for the MotoGP World Championship, and we can't wait to see him giving it everything on the GSV-R as soon as possible," concluded Denning.
Capirossi, a former 250 and double 125cc world champion, will make his Suzuki debut riding both the 2007 and 2008 versions of the GSV-R during a two-day test at Valencia, on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"I am really happy because after five years with Ducati this is a very good time to change," said Loris, who finished seventh in the 2007 championship with one win and four podiums to his credit. "I have been talking a lot with the guys from Suzuki and for me it is a really really interesting time and a very big change.
"I just cannot wait for the first time to jump on the bike. This will be important for me and for all the team. Suzuki looks in a good shape at the moment. Already the bike is good and we have three more tests this year to work on it and make more developments. My motivation is 100% focused on that moment and I have new toys in my hand!
"I am really happy to be going to Suzuki and start working with my new team - the first time I ride the bike will be the best moment for me. After 18 years in grand prix racing I think I don't have many more seasons, so I want to prepare my body and condition myself 110%, and try to do the best I can to challenge again for the championship," he declared.
Vermeulen gave Suzuki its first ever four-stroke MotoGP victory by winning in the wet at Le Mans this season.
