RIZLA SUZUKI:

Rizla Suzuki is on the way to Indianapolis in America for the 12th round of the 2009 MotoGP World Championship, hoping to add to the amazing history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The second MotoGP race to be held at the famous circuit coincides with the celebration of its ‘Centennial Era’ to commemorate the 100th anniversary of motor-racing beginning at Indianapolis with a motorcycle race on August 14th 1909.

Loris Capirossi and Chris Vermeulen are planning to add their names to the hall of fame at the place ‘Where America Learned to Race’ when they take to the 4,218m track on Friday 28th August to begin their preparations for the 20-lap race. Capirossi will be buoyed by the recent strong performance last time out at Brno in the Czech Republic. He missed out on a podium position by less than a second and is in a determined mood to continue from where he left off at Brno.

Vermeulen is also convinced that he can improve on his showing from Brno as he aims for a strong finish to the season during the remaining six races. He also had a strong post-race test in the Czech Republic and will be giving it 100% at Indianapolis as he looks to end the season in style.

Rizla Suzuki takes to the track on Friday for a single free practice session, followed by a further free session on Saturday morning. Qualifying will take place on Saturday afternoon to decide grid positions for Sunday’s 20-lap race that gets underway at 15.00hrs local time (19.00hrs GMT).

Loris Capirossi:
“Last year at Indianapolis was the worst conditions I have ever raced in and I hope we don’t have that to contend with again. I didn’t really get on the pace there last year and I was very disappointed about that and will be looking to put that right this year. We had an encouraging performance at Brno and also discovered a few things during the test on the Monday that will improve things for the rest of the season. I am going to America in a very positive frame of mind and determined to fight for everything we can for the rest of the year.”

Chris Vermeulen:
“I’m looking forward to going to Indianapolis, as it is such an amazing venue and a really well organised event. We didn’t really get the best out of the place last year as the race was hit by a hurricane and had to be stopped early, so I hope the weather is a lot better this year. We made a big step with bike at Brno in the last GP and although the result wasn’t what we wanted, we certainly have a clear indication of how the new engine will work in the remaining races. We need to be on the pace as quick as possible at Indy and see what we can do.”