monarxis
17/08/2007, 10:32
MotoGP: Capirossi Jumps to Suzuki
8/16/2007
By Bart Madson
Rumors surrounding MotoGP veteran Loris Capirossi have been simmering for weeks now, but all the speculation is over as the Italian has hitched up with the Rizla Suzuki squad. The deal is reported to be for the 2008 season with an option for 2009. The departure of Capirex was announced in a press conference at Brno, where the GP paddock has gathered for Round 12 of the 18-round season.
Capirossi's fortunes on the new GP7 flagged, especially when compared to the results of current teammate Casey Stoner, who has dominated aboard the new Desmosedici mount. Once the factory squad signed fellow Italian Marco Melandri after the Laguna Seca round, Capirossi's fate was sealed. Having been associated with the Ducati MotoGP project since its 2003 beginnings, the veteran rider's only '08 option with the Italian firm would have been on the secondary Pramac d'Antin satellite squad.
Instead the former 250GP champ will team up alongside yet another young Australian, this time Rizla Suzuki's Chris Vermeulen. The Suzuki has proven to be a much more competitive package in the 800 era, so perhaps a change of scenery will be just was Loris needs.
With Capirossi now having his plans set for 2008, the silly season focus moves to Kawasaki and Yamaha. Who will Team Green run next to John Hopkins, and how will the talent-packed Yamaha reshuffle its lineup for 2008? Stay tuned.
99664
8/16/2007
By Bart Madson
Rumors surrounding MotoGP veteran Loris Capirossi have been simmering for weeks now, but all the speculation is over as the Italian has hitched up with the Rizla Suzuki squad. The deal is reported to be for the 2008 season with an option for 2009. The departure of Capirex was announced in a press conference at Brno, where the GP paddock has gathered for Round 12 of the 18-round season.
Capirossi's fortunes on the new GP7 flagged, especially when compared to the results of current teammate Casey Stoner, who has dominated aboard the new Desmosedici mount. Once the factory squad signed fellow Italian Marco Melandri after the Laguna Seca round, Capirossi's fate was sealed. Having been associated with the Ducati MotoGP project since its 2003 beginnings, the veteran rider's only '08 option with the Italian firm would have been on the secondary Pramac d'Antin satellite squad.
Instead the former 250GP champ will team up alongside yet another young Australian, this time Rizla Suzuki's Chris Vermeulen. The Suzuki has proven to be a much more competitive package in the 800 era, so perhaps a change of scenery will be just was Loris needs.
With Capirossi now having his plans set for 2008, the silly season focus moves to Kawasaki and Yamaha. Who will Team Green run next to John Hopkins, and how will the talent-packed Yamaha reshuffle its lineup for 2008? Stay tuned.
99664