Suzuki has announced that it has extended its deal with Imperial Tobacco Limited to continue carrying the Rizla brand on its
MotoGP machines for another two years.
Rizla took on title sponsor of the team back in 2006 with the new deal extending that partnership through to the end of 2011 at least.
Loris Capirossi and Alvaro Bautista will test the 2010 Rizla Suzuki bike this week at Sepang as preparations continue for the new season.
"Everybody involved with the Suzuki Grand Prix project is delighted that the Rizla brand will continue its partnership in 2010 and into 2011, and that we are able to continue with the now iconic Rizla Suzuki image for the next two seasons,” Rizla Suzuki team boss Paul Denning said. “It's very clear that the 2009 season fell far below our expectations and targets, but Loris, Alvaro, the whole team and the Suzuki Racing group in Hamamatsu will be doing everything we can to take a big step forward and re-pay Rizla's faith in the project during 2010 and beyond.”
Graham Blashill, sales and marketing director, Imperial Tobacco Group Plc was also pleased with the new deal.
“We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the Suzuki
MotoGP team over the 2010 and 2011 seasons, and I look forward to an exciting couple of years both on the track and in our own business,” he said. “The
MotoGP platform fits perfectly with Rizla's global, premium status and the close partnership we have forged with the Suzuki team enables us to leverage the brand extremely effectively.
“Both from a personal point of view, and on behalf of the Imperial Tobacco Group, I wish Loris and Alvaro the best of luck on the track and I look forward to success for the Rizla Suzuki
MotoGP team as a whole.”
