Capirossi is the veteran of MotoGP, aged 34 and the most experienced rider on the grid. The Italian has won three world titles - 125cc (1990 & 91) and 250cc (1998).

Last year's victory in Japan came 17 years after Capirossi's first Grand Prix win, which was in the UK on a 125cc bike.

Australian Vermeulen is regarded as a wet weather expert and it was in the driving rain at last year's Le Mans Grand Prix that the 25-year-old secured his maiden win - it was Suzuki's first victory for six years.