Capirossi and team-mate Chris Vermeulen are yet to try the final version of Suzuki's 2008 engine, but have been buoyed by the winter tests so far held - at Valencia, Sepang and Phillip Island.

The GSV-R team-mates are now looking forward to the first test of 2008, alongside their main rivals, at Sepang from January 22.

"This is a great time to be with Suzuki, I believe that I have joined a team that is very much on the way up," declared former Ducati rider Capirossi. "I was pleased with the way the bike behaved in the tests last year and am very excited about what we will have to test in Sepang. For sure it is not going to be easy this year as other teams will have improved their bikes, but I feel we will be able to compete with anybody.

"We need to get into the tests and make sure we can get the best set-up and performance from the bike in time for the first race. You don't win races in tests but we have a good chance to make sure that we are in the best position to win them when the season starts by using these upcoming days to make every possible improvement that we can," he added.

For Vermeulen - who took his and Suzuki's first (four-stroke) MotoGP race win in the wet at Le Mans last season - 2008 will mark his third full season in grand prix racing and the former World Supersport champion is eager to make a 'big impact'.

"I can't wait to get back on the bike and start testing again," said the Australian. "We made really good progress during the tests at the end of last year and I have been in constant touch with my crew chief Tom O'Kane, and from what we have been told the bike is looking good for this season. This is my third full year in MotoGP so it is a very important time in my career and I need to be performing at the top of my game from the start. I believe I am in the right team and with the right bike and we can make a big impact in 2008!"

The three-day Malaysian visit will also mark the first time that Capirossi will appear in Rizla blue and the first official sighting of Vermeulen running the iconic crossed seven, made famous by Barry Sheene.

Suzuki test rider Nobuatsu Aoki will join Capirossi and Vermeulen at Sepang to assist with the team's test programme.