Loris Capirossi says he now expects to stay on with Suzuki for the 2010 season, having begun work on plans for next year with the team.
The veteran had previously said he would decide his future based on Suzuki's 2009 form, which has so far been less impressive than pre-season testing had promised.
But Capirossi said he was now certain he would remain for next year, when he will surpass the 300 grand prix starts mark.
"In 2010 I will race again," he was quoted as saying by
Gazzetta dello Sport. "That's always been my intention, but now I can say that with certainty.
"I hope they (Suzuki) can carry on with their efforts as they've done so far."
Although Capirossi said that official neogiations had not begun yet, he said the team had given him firm indications that it wanted him to remain on board.
"We haven't yet started discussing the future, but it was them asking me what I want to do in 2010 in order to start building a development programme, so..." he said.