Capirossi exits Ducati for Suzuki

MILAN, Italy (Reuters) -- Loris Capirossi will race for Suzuki next season with an option to stay on in 2009, the Italian Ducati rider said on Thursday.

"I am happy with the five years spent at Ducati because they were exciting seasons and we won some good races together.

"But the moment has come for a change and to try new challenges," he told Italian media ahead of this weekend's Czech MotoGP.

Capirossi, who is eighth in this season's standings, will link up with Australia's Chris Vermeulen at the Japanese team.

Capirossi's team-mate, Australian Casey Stoner, leads the world championship and his position in the Ducati line-up has been further compromised by the signing for next season of fellow Italian Marco Melandri.

Ducati indicated that they would run a third rider in next year's championship, but Capirossi's departure may put an end to that notion.

A source said last week Italy's tax agency had ruled that Capirossi evaded taxes in 2001-02, an allegation that the Monte Carlo resident fiercely denies.

Former world champion Valentino Rossi is also being probed over suspected tax evasion. E-mail to a friend

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