Chris Vermuelen

Chris Vermeulen had a lot to smile about on Sunday as the Australian rider scored his second consecutive podium at the USGP.
Rider: Chris Vermeulen
Nickname: The V, Chris V
Nationality: Australian
Team: Rizla Suzuki MotoGP
Machine: Suzuki GSV-R (#7)
Born: June 19, 1982 in Brisbane, Australia
The charismatic Australian started his path to MotoGP by claiming the World Supersport Championship in 2003 and moving up to the Superbike class the following season. After two years in SBK, Vermeulen made the jump to MotoGP at the start of the 2006 season, signing with Rizla Suzuki MotoGP. MotoGP is where the Aussie always wanted to be, allowing him to prove his worth on the biggest stage of all.

Vermeulen spent 2006 transitioning from a successful career in WSB. There were times in 2006 when Chris the V upstaged his American paddock-mate, John Hopkins, the most noticeable moment being Laguna Seca, where the Aussie snagged the pole position and almost the podium before falling short in the final laps. Vermeulen claimed the pole position at Turkey as well, and also had a great run at Phillip Island, his home track, where he charged up through the ranks to finish second.

2007 saw the introduction of the smaller 800cc GP bikes with improved traction control, which required a different riding style and a focus on maintaining corner speed. Chris V adapted well and won a maiden victory at a wet Le Mans circuit in France. It was also Suzuki’s first victory in the four stroke category. He finished the 2007 season in 6th place with three other podium finishes for the year.

Chris Vermeulen had his best results of the year on a soaked Sachsenring finishing on the podium in third place. - Sachsenring
2008 found Chris V struggling to achieve the power he needed from his Suzuki GSV-R. Despite this he managed two third place finishes at Sachsenring and Laguna Seca and finished 8th overall for the season. He also penned a monthly column called Vermeulen's Inside Line for a cool online magazine by the name of MotorcycleUSA.com.

Provided the Suzuki project continues to develop in the right direction, Vermeulen has proven he has the talent to pilot the baby blue ride to the top of the steps. Considering their impressive performances in offseason testing, we could be seeing some blue up front in 2009.

Career Highlights:
2008 - 8th MotoGP (Suzuki)
2007 - 6th MotoGP (Suzuki)
2006 - 11th MotoGP (Suzuki)
2005 - 2nd World Superbike (Honda)
2004 - 4th World Superbike (Honda)
2003 - 1st World Superpsort (Honda)
2002 - 7th World Supersport (Honda)