Suzuki seal Rizla deal
Added on Tuesday, March 17th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Suzuki seal Rizla deal
Suzuki has received a massive lift ahead of the new MotoGP season after finally agreeing a renewed sponsorship deal with Rizla.
The deal, which will see the team continue with the Rizla Suzuki moniker, takes effect immediately and ends a winter of on-off negotiations between the two companies.
The previous deal between Suzuki and Rizla ended after the 2008 MotoGP season and there were fears that the rolling papers brand would withdraw their support for the MotoGP team in light of the current economic slowdown – particularly as the company had decided against renewing their deal with the Suzuki British Superbike team.
Up to now, Suzuki riders Chris Vermeulen and Loris Capirossi had been riding unbranded GSV-R’s at Losail and Sepang but two fully branded bikes are expected to be on show at Jerez next week.
“This is very positive news for Suzuki to continue our partnership with Rizla in today’s current difficult climate,” said Suzuki team boss Paul Denning. “We have enjoyed a very close relationship, both on and off the track, with Rizla during the past three years and have certainly considered all the representatives of Rizla as part of the team.
“Our on track performance during the first two tests has also been very encouraging and shows how much hard work the Factory has put in during the off season. The GSV-R has certainly come a long way since last year and we know there is still more to come – Chris and Loris were both very impressed with the new bike, but we know there is still a lot of work to do. The Suzuki team will continue to work hard to keep improving, and we are very positive about our prospects for 2009 in partnership with Rizla.”
