Capirossi to join Suzuki in 2008

Veteran MotoGP rider Loris Capirossi will race for Suzuki next season with an option to stay on in 2009.

The 34-year-old Italian is being replaced at current team Ducati by Marco Melandri next year.
Capirossi held talks with Ducati about staying on but was unhappy with the way the team handled Melandri's signing.

"The moment has come for a change and to try new challenges," said Capirossi, who will ride alongside Australian Chris Vermeulen at Suzuki.

There are eight rounds to go in this season's MotoGP championship, beginning with this weekend's Czech GP.

Capirossi, who is in his 18th season in world championship motorcycling, is eighth in the overall standings.