New Suzuki deal for Capirossi
Added on Wednesday, August 26th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
New Suzuki deal for Capirossi
Loris Capirossi has agreed to stay with Suzuki for the 2010 MotoGP season, according to reports in the Italian media.
The veteran rider was expected by some to retire from the sport when his contract expires at the end of the season, with speculation mounting that the Rizla Suzuki team were looking to bring in younger faces to replace both him and teammate Chris Vermeulen.
Vermeulen has confirmed that he is leaving the team in 2010, with Alvaro Bautista signing for the team as his replacement but it seems that the 36-year-old will remain with Suzuki for one more season. The news will also end speculation linking both James Toseland and Toni Elias with the Suzuki team for rides in 2010.
“I’ve done it because I’m still having a lot of fun, and because I’ve found a fantastic team, headed by a team manager who knows how to keep it united,” the Italian told Motosprint. “I like Paul Denning, he’s a cool guy. I really feel well here.”
The Italian, who has won nine grands prix in the top class and won the 250cc world championship in 1998, added that he had not ruled out racing beyond 2010 either.
“I’m certainly closer to saying ‘I quit’ than I was a couple of years ago, but nothing is decided yet,” he said. “We’ll see, also because I can still beat many rivals while others beat me through no fault of mine.
“Suzuki has wanted me to sign the contract many weeks ago already. I chose to wait because I wanted to be certain regarding their intentions. Now I know they are putting a lot of effort in, they are giving me confidence, they’ve decided I should be the one developing the bike.
“They believe in me, and that’s what’s important. This has convinced me to stay. I’m convinced we’ll have a competitive bike in 2010.”
