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MotoGP Features & Interviews (2006)
MotoGP Feature - The Chris Vermeulen Interview
05/09/2006
A huge increase in tyre grip was just one of the big adjustments Chris Vermeulen had to make when he switched from the production-based World Superbike Championship to the Suzuki factory MotoGP team in 2006.
The 23-year-old from Australia’s Sunshine Coast had been racing on one-make control tyres in that championship. Now he was on Bridgestone’s latest generation of slick tyres, with a wide choice of compounds available. All of them with a great deal more grip than he was used to.
“I’m still learning a hell of a lot, and the incredible corner entry speed is one of the biggest things,” said the 2003 World 600 Supersport champion (the youngest ever).
After two pole positions and another front-row start, and a first-year rostrum chance in America spoiled only by mechanical failure, Vermeulen has already shown he is a very fast learner.
“A MotoGP bike is very different from a Superbike. A lot is in the entry to corners. It was a big thing to get used to the grip” he explained, from the family home in Australia, where he was preparing for the triple-header fly-away rounds in Malaysia, Australia and Japan.
“There’s the power of the carbon-fibre brakes, then the grip of the tyres. And the grip a GP bike can create, with the chassis rigidity. How much speed you can carry into the corner is just incredible,” he said.
The other major area of change was “learning how to use the electronic management systems. With a MotoGP bike, you can adjust the power for each gear. With a Superbike, you can’t even alter the gear ratios.”
An intelligent and methodical rider, Vermeulen is also gifted with natural talent. His speed of learning promises even more to come with more experience.
He cites his crew chief Tom O’Kane as a big help. “I couldn’t wish for anyone else. The way he works is so methodical and intelligent. I think he’s the cleverest guy in the paddock. It’s not done fast, but it’s done correctly.”
The crew chief is a vital link between rider and the factory designers. This new partnership has already given rise to a special unique chassis for Vermeulen, incorporating different stiffness ratios to adjust the way the motorcycle feels.
Vermeulen is pleased with his progress with Suzuki, a machine which is steadily becoming more competitive. “I never set goals – just to go as good as possible all the time."
"Being with Suzuki meant I wasn’t going to be a championship contender this year. I’m learning, and also helping Suzuki to bring a good 800cc bike for next year.”
Meanwhile, he was looking forward to the three forthcoming circuits. “From the Bridgestone point of view, they are tracks where they took two wins last year. That will definitely make things better for us,” he said.
More chances for the impressive rookie to show just what he can do.
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