Brno MotoGP: Vermeulen excited to partner Capirossi in 2008

Chris Vermeulen reckons the arrival of Loris Capirossi in Suzuki’s factory MotoGP squad next season will give him the chance to learn from one of world racing’s most experienced campaigners.

Capirossi announced his decision to quit Ducati’s factory team after five years to sign a deal to replace John Hopkins in 2008 on Thursday in Brno.

And Vermeulen, who was only eight when Capirossi won his first world title back in 1990, thinks the acquisition of the veteran Italian will help in ’08 for what will be the Australian’s third year in the premier class.

“I think it’s really exciting. I assumed who might have been the possibilities of joining our team but I knew that Loris was the main candidate. I think the experience he’s got and can bring to the team and myself is going to be huge. I am new into this class still and he’s been here for a hell of a long time, so there couldn’t be anyone better from me to learn from. His experience at Ducati with that bike working so well, any info he’s got and could bring to Suzuki is going to be beneficial for us, “Vermeulen told MCN.