Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced that
Loris Capirossi and
Chris Vermeulen have both agreed terms to continue riding for the Japanese company's
MotoGP squad for a further season.
"We are of course pleased to have finalised the rider agreements for 2009 and to move forward with Loris and Chris," said team manager Paul Denning.
Capirossi, a 250 and double 125cc world champion, joined Suzuki from Ducati at the end of last season. The 35-year-old Italian, who recently set a new record of 277 grand prix starts, has won nine 500cc/MotoGP races - the first in 1996 and most recent in 2007.
After being forced to miss both
Donington Park and Assen due to a hand injury, Capirossi took his first Suzuki MotoGP podium in last month's Czech Republic Grand Prix.
"I am delighted to be staying with Suzuki for another season," said Capirossi, who has also ridden for Honda, Yamaha, Aprilia and Ducati since his 125GP debut in 1990. "I have really enjoyed my short time here and know we are making progress and can be on top again. The management has shown faith in me - even though I have not been at my best due to my injuries - and now I must start to re-pay them for their belief in me and to committing to me a further season."
Capirossi said that he intends to finish his grand prix career with Suzuki, but not before scoring further poles, podiums and race wins.
"I have enjoyed working with Paul [Denning] and my whole crew has been fantastic all season, whatever I have asked for they have delivered and they are probably the hardest working guys in the paddock. I still have unfinished business in MotoGP and on the Suzuki, I still have podiums, pole positions and race wins in me and I believe that I can achieve that with this team. I want to finish my career with Suzuki and I want to do that in style!" he declared.
"Loris's experience, knowledge and determination are a valuable asset to any team, but on top of that you get his incredible and infectious passion for racing - plus he's a really nice guy as well!" said Denning.
