Suzuki extend Rizla deal

Suzuki have confirmed they have renewed their sponsorship deal with Rizla for a further two years.

The deal with Rizla's parent company Imperial Tobacco Limited will see the Japanese manufacturer's factory GSV-R bikes continue to run with the famous blue livery until at least the 2011 FIM MotoGP World Championship season.

"Everybody involved with the Suzuki Grand Prix project is delighted that the Rizla brand will continue its partnership in 2010 and into 2011, and that we are able to continue with the now iconic Rizla Suzuki image for the next two seasons," said Suzuki team manager Paul Denning.

"It's very clear that the 2009 season fell far below our expectations and targets, but the whole team and the Suzuki Racing group in Hamamatsu will be doing everything we can to take a big step forward and re-pay Rizla's faith in the project during 2010 and beyond."

Loris Capirossi and new boy Alvaro Bautista will be in action for Suzuki at the first test of 2010 at Sepang in Malaysia this week.

The new 18-race season gets under way in Qatar on April 11.