Vermeulen's experience

Rizla Suzuki rider Chris Vermeulen believes he can make a big impact in his second MotoGP campaign after another confidence boosting test in Sepang.

The Aussie set his best time on a Bridgestone qualifying tyre today on the second soft tyre he ran before completing a full 21-lap race simulation this afternoon.

The former World Superbike runner-up, who impressed in his rookie season with a podium and two pole positions, said: “I feel I now fit in with the rest of the riders, now I’m a Grand Prix rider with a year’s experience. 

“And I have a year’s experience working with the team, and them with me, and it’s gelling really well.

“It’s always a good thing to be ahead or close to Valentino Rossi.

“When I came to GPs I didn’t know what I could do but my goal was always to win races and these guys are fast, they know what they are doing, but right know I’m happy with the way it’s going.”