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Suzuki have re-signed Loris Capirossi and Chris Vermeulen to the Japanese outfit's MotoGP roster for next season.

Veteran Capirossi joined Suzuki from Ducati for this season and, having recently set a record for grand prix starts, finished on the podium at Brno.

The future of Vermeulen (pictured) had remained unclear, with interest from World Superbikes and rival squad Honda Gresini.

He is sixth in the World Championship after podiums in Germany and America and performed with some success in 2007, winning at a rain-lashed Le Mans.

"We are of course pleased to have finalised the rider agreements for 2009 and to move forward with Loris and Chris," said team manager Paul Denning.

Capirossi said: "I am delighted to be staying with Suzuki for another season. I have really enjoyed my short time here and know we are making progress and can be on top again.

"The management has shown faith in me - even though I have not been at my best due to my injuries - and now I must start to re-pay them for their belief in me and for committing to me for a further season."

Italian Capirossi, 35, who has won the 250cc riders' title as well as two 125cc crowns, missed races in Donington Park and Assen.

"I still have unfinished business in MotoGP and on the Suzuki," he added. "I still have podiums, pole positions and race wins in me and I believe that I can achieve that with this team.

"I want to finish my career with Suzuki - and I want to do that in style."

Australian Vermeulen, 26, expressed his desire to stay.

"I'm extremely happy to be staying with the Suzuki team: it is a factory and squad that I know well and respect enormously," he said.

"Over the last three years there has been big progress with both the machine and with my level as a rider.

"Suzuki was my entry into grand prix racing, I have been here for three years and won a GP - and been on the podium many times - so I am really pleased to be continuing this relationship.

"I had offers from other teams, but I always felt that I wanted to stay with Suzuki if we could get the terms agreed so that everyone was happy."

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport