Suzuki set to retain current riders

Capirossi, who joined the team from Ducati for this season, has given strong indications that a contract extension has been completed, while Vermeulen is reportedly negotiating a new deal for 2009 following his two podiums from the last two races.

"An announcement should be made soon with regards to the riders for 2009," said a Suzuki source.

Vermeulen had a performance clause in his contract that could have seen him automatically re-hired for 2009 had he achieved specified results targets by 1 August (post Laguna Seca), but the fact that a new deal is under discussion suggests these results targets may not have been reached.

However, other teams are interested in Vermeulen as he is regarded as one of the most marketable and sponsor-friendly riders in the paddock.

Vermeulen is the only rider to win a race for Suzuki since the start of the four-stroke era in 2002, having claimed his first MotoGP win at Le Mans in 2007.