Cam Donald (left) will ride Loris Capirossi's (right) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP bike at the Isle of Man TT.

Australian Isle of Man TT legend Cameron Donald has spoken out about his opportunity to ride Loris Capirossi’s factory Rizla Suzuki GSV-R MotoGP machine at this year’s TT, excited at the prospects of riding the prototype on the renowned road circuit.

Donald, who was the first man to complete the Isle of Man circuit at 131mph (210.82km/h), will ride Capirossi’s bike directly following the Senior TT on 11 June.

“To be given the opportunity to ride a MotoGP bike is one thing, but to be offered the Rizla Suzuki GSV-R is a dream come true for me,” the Victorian explained. “If I’d been given the opportunity to ride it at a circuit – any circuit – I’d have been more than happy, but to ride it around the world famous Isle of Man TT circuit where I ply my trade, is another thing altogether.

“I spent time with the Rizla Suzuki guys at Phillip Island last year and they made me feel more than welcome. Loris Capirossi is a great guy and a grand prix legend, so to ride one of his bikes is an honour. I know these things don’t get pulled together overnight, so I’d especially like to thank everyone at Suzuki and team bosses at Relentless by TAS Suzuki and Rizla Suzuki – Philip Neill and Paul Denning – for making this possible.

“It’s a special year for Suzuki as a manufacturer and a very special anniversary for the GSX–R range. So while I will be aiming to put the Relentless by TAS Suzukis on the top step of the podium this year on the Island, riding the GSV-R will be the icing on the cake.”

Capirossi will also be on hand at the TT for a series of parade laps on a production GSX-R1000, looking forward to seeing Donald ride his GP machine around the Mountain Circuit.

“I am really excited about visiting the Isle of Man and supporting Suzuki’s 50th year celebrations, it will be great to go there and be involved,” the Italian veteran said. “I’ve never been to the TT before so it will be amazing to see those ‘crazy’ guys on the racetrack, but I’m not sure it can really be called a racetrack with all those houses and things around – it’s not like any track I’m used to!

“I think it is an event that everybody interested in motorcycle racing should go to at least once in their life and after the first time I’m sure I’ll go back again. I want to do one full lap – but not as fast as those guys – so I can see for myself what it’s like and what they have to contend with.”