Suzuki still waiting on Rizla decision for 2009

Suzuki’s factory MotoGP team is still awaiting a decision on whether Rizla will remain as its title sponsor in next year’s MotoGP world championship.

The Japanese factory has yet to finalise its sponsorship plans for 2009, with discussions still on-going with Rizla over a potential new deal.

Rizla ended its seven-year relationship with Suzuki’s British superbike squad earlier this year, and has yet to confirm it plans to renew with the MotoGP squad, which runs Chris Vermeulen and Loris Capirossi.

The global credit crunch though is also starting to have an impact on the MotoGP paddock.

Asked whether Rizla would remain on the GSV-R in 2009, team manager Paul Denning said: “I don’t know yet. We are in negotiation, it’s not a stalemate, but because it is still under negotiation there is still a chance we may not reach agreement. I expect to know before the end of this year.”