Criville not tempted by Suzuki offer.

World champion Alex Criville has reportedly turned down the chance to partner replacement-elect Kenny Roberts at Suzuki next season.

The Spaniard last week renewed his contract with the Repsol Honda team, despite rumours that neither party was happy with the other's performance this season, but was still being courted by rival manufacturers as the announcement was made, according to Speedvision Online.

His only real appearance at the front of the pack came in the French GP at Le Mans, which he won after a superb tussle with Norick Abe and Valentino Rossi, as the works Honda has so far failed to live up to the performance of semi-works versions run by the Sito Pons and the Nastro Azzuro teams.

Roberts currently leads the GP500 standings in 2000, but has had little in the way of rostrum back-up from team-mate Nobuatsu Aoki. Although Suzuki has made no motion to oust the Japanese rider from its ranks, it was understood to be looking to strengthen the outfit, possibly with the addition of a third bike for next year.