Vermeulen switches to MotoGP

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2005

PARIS (AFP) — World Superbike Championship runner-up Chris Vermeulen of Australia signed a two-year deal with Suzuki to race in MotoGP.

The 23-year-old from Brisbane will replace Kenny Roberts Jr and ride alongside John Hopkins after leaving the Honda team.

He will test the new Suzuki GSV-R in Valencia test on 9-10 November.

"I'm so excited about the prospects for next year," said Vermeulen, who made his MotoGP debut this year at Phillip Island in place of injured compatriot Troy Bayliss.

"It's obviously going to be a difficult season to begin with - there are a lot of new tracks to learn, a new bike and a new team, but I know I am up for the challenge.

"I'll try to take that step up to fill the shoes of Suzuki world champions like Barry...