His trademark is a floppy hat; his starting number is that of his idol Barry Sheene; and his favourite race is Le Mans. Whether he can repeat his victory there from last year on May 18, the 25-year-old Australian Chris Vermeulen discloses in an interview.
Since your first MotoGP victory, a year has passed. What do you think of when you think back on Le Mans 2007?
It was typical Le Mans weather. The race started out dry and by the end it was pouring. Conditions were very difficult and it was a great race – standing on top of the podium and beating everyone else there.
It’s been a slow start to the season, on the top of a sluggish finish last year. What’s that due to?
I think the team has done a great job this year and I think the biggest thing is that it’s MotoGP, the elite of motorcycle racing. You know some of the other manufacturers have taken bigger steps forward than we have right now. I think there’s a lot of potential in the bike. We were quite quick in the last few GPs early on in the weekend and for whatever reason we haven’t had great results because of some issues with the bike.
That sounds as if everything could look quite different fairly soon.
Yeah, definitely. I think we can be competitive, and I’m looking forward to the next part of the season when we get into full swing in Europe. There are five races in seven weeks, and I reckon we can get onto the podium more frequently.
... especially since a few things have happened that normally shouldn’t?
You could say that. The first one was a Bridgestone tire that was faulty and in the last race in China it was a very rare thing where a chain and sprocket – for whatever reason – malfunctioned and the chain dropped off. It wasn’t very good for me. I didn’t get to finish the race. It’s a real shame, but I know a factory like Suzuki won’t let that happen again and they’ll be doing everything possible to make the bike better for Le Mans.
What do you think you’re capable of if you don’t have any problems with the bike?
Last year we had four podiums, two second places, which were close to wins, and I’ve been quick in all conditions – dry, hot, pouring rain – so I know I can win. I just want to do it a lot more now.
These next few races will make or break your year. What are your thoughts on the next six weeks?
I’m really looking forward to Le Mans. Obviously it’s a circuit I go back to which I won at last year. Then we go to Mugello, which is a real classic circuit. But it’s not one I’m really comfortable with at the moment. I’ve been there twice and it’s very difficult to learn – it’s a blind circuit, it’s bumpy and the Italians ride well there. Then we head to Barcelona, which is a track I’ve been quick on. I’m really looking forward to that race. Then we go to Donington in England, a track I know very well, I’ve been quick there in wet and dry conditions. Then to Assen, Sachsenring and then Laguna Seca. Obviously a few tracks there I drive well on. So I’m looking forward to this next part of the season, but the races are so close, anything could happen. If we’re struggling with certain parts on the bike it’s very difficult for the factory to make new parts and bring them to the next race because they’re so close together. But having said that, I’m sure we’ll be competitive, and I’m looking forward to it.