Vermeulen

Pinkers · Jan 19, 2006

I thought I'd try and kick off my first topic.....

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>Team Suzuki Press Office – January 19, 2006.

Team SUZUKI MotoGP racers John Hopkins and Chris Vermeulen get their first rides on the all-new Suzuki GSV-R during next week’s opening MotoGP test in Malaysia.

Both riders are eager to get back on track and begin testing the new bike after the enforced winter test ban. Hopkins has spent the winter months in America undergoing a tough fitness programme to get himself in top condition for the gruelling season that lies ahead. And Vermeulen has also been undertaking a thorough exercise routine to prepare himself for his first full year in MotoGP. www.suzuki-racing.com

What's your take on Vermuelens' snub of Honda and how do you guys think he'll fair on the GSV in tests? Lets face it the bike is dogged by being grossly underpowered? Anyone heard what the new 06 bike is like?

I know he's good and proven on a superbike but I for one think he needed another year in WSB and claim that as his own before the jump.

Austin · Jan 19, 2006

Barry Sheene had given Chris a lot of advice while Chris was coming up, one piece of advice was always ride for a factory team otherwise you'll never get the good bits. When Honda offered a Pons ride Vermeulen said no and Suzuki came by with a factory ride and went for that. I would assume Barry's advice and legacy with Suzuki had something to do with it. How will he do? He'll be the third best rookie results wise on the fifth worst bike.

I've read that the 2006 GSV-R has all new electronics from Magnetti Marelli so I would assume it will have traction control now and should be better under acceleration. It will still be slower than the rest but much improved.

Marbles · Jan 19, 2006

Myself I don't really rate him, Been on a Suzuki its going to hard to judge where he is at, if he is any good he should be able Hopkins so I guess thats his 1st test.

frosty58 · Jan 19, 2006

i think vermullen & hopkins will push each other hard. good rivalry methinks. he may do quite well... or the'll be a lot of wrecked gsvr's in 06.

richo · Jan 19, 2006

I agree CV should have stayed in SBK and claimed that with Ten Kate before moving to a Honda 800. But that would have been harder now with Bayliss back in SBK.

I'm hoping Suzuki's 800 is good so Chris can do well. But according to the info we have, Suzi's engineers are a bit mentally unstable with the idea the have. I think once he gets used to it he'll do better than Hopper. I don't think he's snubbed Honda, and he hasn't ruled out never going back to them.

By the way, CV spent the winter break hot rodding on the Gold Coast. I don't know where that fits in to intensive phisical training

The Doctor · Jan 21, 2006

I think Suzuki will make some noise this season. Chris will be really hungry to make a real name for himself and John Hopkins won't sit back and watch him do it.
This really is going to be an exciting season.

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