Rizla extends Suzuki MotoGP sponsorship

Fag paper giant stick with Suzuki for at least another two years

SMOKING MAY be a dying art but it hasn't stopped fag paper giant Rizla from renewing their contract with Suzuki MotoGP squad.

Rizla, owned by Imperial Tobacco Limited, became Suzuki's title sponsor in 2006. Today's announcement means the deal is extended at least until 2011.

"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 team manager Paul Denning.

"It's very clear that the 2009 season fell far below our expectations and targets, but Loris, Alvaro, 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."

The squad will field Loris Capirossi and new-signing Alvaro Bautista in this year's MotoGP series.