Suzuki retain Capirossi, Vermeulen for '09

Veteran Capirossi joined the team at the end of 2007 while Vermeulen had been at Suzuki since the start of the 2006 season.

"I am delighted to be staying with Suzuki for another season," said 35-year-old Capirossi, currently ninth in the standings. "I have really enjoyed my short time here and know we are making progress and can be on top again.

"The management has shown faith in me - even though I have not been at my best due to my injuries - and now I must start to re-pay them for their belief in me and to committing to me a further season."

Australian Vermeulen, the first winner of the Japanese marque in the four-stroke era, was also delighted with the new deal.

"I'm extremely happy to be staying with the Suzuki team, it is a factory and squad that I know well and respect enormously," Vermeulen, sixth in the championship, said. "Over the last three years there has been big progress with both the machine and with my level as a rider.

"Suzuki was my entry into Grand Prix racing, I have been here for three years and won a GP - and been on podium many times - so I am really pleased to be continuing this relationship. I had offers from other teams, but I always felt that I wanted to stay with Suzuki if we could get the terms agreed so that everyone was happy.

"Luckily we were able to do that, so now I can get on with trying to win more races and help Suzuki get to a World Championship challenging level."