ROME MotoGP rider Loris Capirossi will leave Ducati at the end of this season and join Suzuki.

The Italian driver signed a one-year contract with Suzuki, with an option for 2009.

"I'm pleased with these five years at Ducati because they were exciting seasons and we won some great races together. But the time has come to change and try something new," Capirossi told Italian media.

"I have to thank Suzuki, which has welcomed me with a lot of enthusiasm and promised me full support. For now, though, the important thing is to finish this season well because until December I'm still a Ducati driver," Capirossi added.

The 34-year-old Capirossi won the 250cc title in 1998 and the 125cc title in 1990 and 1991. He is eighth in this season's MotoGP standings with 77 points.

Source: [url=http://www.modbee.com/sports/story/45114.html]Modesto Bee[/url]