Rizla Suzuki are hoping for a strong finish to the season at Valencia this weekend. Loris Capirossi has competed at every Valencian GP and has enjoyed success there with three podiums from his nine visits. Chris Vermeulen finished sixth at Valencia in 2007 – directly behind Capirossi – and will be looking to improve on that position as the curtain falls on his third full season in MotoGP. Vermeulen should be in a more confident mood now that his future in MotoGP is secure for 2009 and both riders no longer have Ben Spies snapping at their heels for their seat. Both riders will be fighting to end the season in the top 10 (Capirossi is currently 10th and Vermeulen is 8th). Capirossi probably has the hardest job as he’ll be fighting off James Toseland who currenlty sits 11th in the championship.

After pulling out of British Superbikes, Rizla have not confirmed that they will continue to sponsor the Suzuki factory team in MotoGP for 2009, so getting the riders running in the top of the field and getting a lot of TV exposure won’t do things any harm.

Loris Capirossi:
“I think Valencia will be good for us because it is not really a quick track and our bike is good for handling and braking – so we hope to go really well! We understand that the weather can sometimes be very difficult there because it can be quite cold, but I believe we can go really fast in Valencia. It is the last race and is a good opportunity to start working on how we want to continue next year.”

Chris Vermeulen:
“Valencia is a great circuit and it suits our bike well with it not having very long straights. The Suzuki works well on the tight and twisty type of circuit and last year we were very quick there and I am really looking forward to going back. Hopefully we can stand on the podium one more time this year, because that is the plan and I really think it is possible!”

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