Capirossi has been with Ducati since its 2003 MotoGP debut and scored the Italian factory's first five grand prix victories, his most recent at the 2006 Japanese Grand Prix, but has since struggled to adapt to the new-for-2007 800cc machine - which team-mate Casey Stoner has taken to six victories and the world championship lead.
With fellow Italian Marco Melandri recently announced as partnering Stoner next season, Capirossi unsurprisingly rejected the opportunity to 'downgrade' to the satellite d'Antin Ducati outfit. Instead, factory rides at both Suzuki and Kawasaki were on offer, but Loris eventually chose the GSV-R option, alongside 2007 race winner Chris Vermeulen.
"I started working with Ducati when they came into MotoGP and these five years have been a very good experience. Now I've decided to change and I've signed for Suzuki with an option for 2009," said the 34-year-old, a former 125 and 250cc world champion. "It is like having a new toy and is really important for my motivation. I believe a lot in Suzuki. The bike is working really well this year. I will again be a factory rider and for sure this is the most important thing because I can develop the bike.
"Ducati decided to have Marco in the factory team next year and offered me a factory bike, but in the d'Antin team. My target was to be in a factory team so I went with Suzuki. In the last few races I've followed the Suzuki a lot to try and understand it! But anyway, every bike is different. I think the Suzuki is good.
"I think I'm the only rider to have ridden for Ducati for five consecutive years. For me it's been a really good experience; a good family and good people - but now it's a good time to change.
"My decision to leave has nothing to do with Casey's success this year - I get on really, really well with Casey. He is a really good guy and really quick," Capirossi concluded.
Capirossi will be replacing John Hopkins, who is already confirmed as moving to Kawasaki.
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