Capirossi upbeat on Suzuki challenge

Capirossi has ridden for the Ducati factory team for the past five years but, after being only offered a ride with the Italian manufacturer's satellite Pramac D'Antin team for 2008, he has opted to switch to Suzuki.

Speaking at Brno, Capirossi said that he was looking forward to the new challenge after making it clear he wanted to remain a factory rider. He has a deal for 2008, with an option for the following season.

"It is like I have a new toy in my hand," said Capirossi. "And for my motivation, that was really important.

"I believe a lot in Suzuki and for sure the bike has started to work really well this year. Suzuki have a good project for next year and I am optimistic for this.

"I am again a factory rider, and that is important. I go out from a really good family like Ducati. I have good memories of the past and I am going to a different family, a Japanese family, but I am thinking for me it is exciting to change in this moment."

Capirossi made it clear that his decision to leave Ducati had nothing to do with the form of teammate Casey Stoner, who has dominated this season's MotoGP championship.

"I don't care about that," he said. "I have a really, really good relationship with Casey. He is a good guy, a quick guy, but for me the situation is different. I like to have this new opportunity.

"I think I am the only rider that rides for Ducati for five consecutive years. Nobody did that in the past. It is a good family, with good people, but it is a good time to change."