Capirossi to stay with Suzuki

The news means that the 36-year-old MotoGP veteran will remain with the team for a fourth season alongside Suzuki's rookie signing Alvaro Bautista.

"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," he 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."