Loris Capirossi to contest Suzuki rally

Loris Capirossi will switch from two to four wheels later this year when he contests the Suzuki Tempest Rally on November 8.

The event includes 80km of gravel stages in the forests and military training grounds around Aldershot.

The veteran Italian will ditch his factory Suzuki GSV-R MotoGP machine for a Suzuki Swift “Sport Cup” car, joining regular competitors on the last round of Britain’s premier one-make rally series. The cars are powered by a 1.6 litre, 125PS VVT engine.

Capirossi will test his car to help familiarise him with not only driving on a loose surface, but also pace notes which will be read by experienced co-driver Craig Thorley.

“I am really looking forward to this as I have almost as much passion for cars as I do bikes. It is a big honour to be invited by Suzuki to take part in this rally and I will certainly try to be competitive, I know it will be tough racing against guys who do this type of motorsport every weekend, but I’m sure we’ll have some fun, “said the triple world champion, who recently signed a new deal to stay with the Rizla Suzuki squad in 2009.

Adding some spice to Capirossi’s debut will be the participation of Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team boss Paul Denning.