MotoGP – Chris Vermeulen: "The new Suzuki is a step forward compared to 2007"

In his third year in MotoGP and with Suzuki, Chris Vermeulen wants something more. Constantly fighting for the podium and for the very first positions, this after having achieved the first victory in the top class last year at Le Mans, thanks to the difficult climatic conditions on the Sarthè track. The Brisbane rider is convinced of this possibility, thanks to the enormous work carried out by Suzuki over the winter with the creation of an unprecedented GSV-R XRG1, where the chassis, engine and more have been changed. Let's hear the impressions released by Chris Vermeulen for the "online" presentation of the new 2008 Rizla Suzuki livery.

“The new Suzuki GSV-R is already a step forward compared to the 2007”, says Chris Vermeulen. “We are faster and, above all, we have improved our speed out of corners. We have also made progress in the general balance: it was already very good last year, we managed to progress in this area too! Suzuki has worked really hard to create a competitive bike and to solve the problems: we don't have the references for a race yet, but I believe that in Losail we will be close to the best!".

For the former Supersport world champion there will be something new this season, but it would be better to say a return to the past: in honor of its discoverer Barry Sheene, Chris will race with the #7, vacated by Carlos Checa who moved to Superbike. The number 7 on a Suzuki will certainly make an impression, with a natural "nostalgia effect".