Number 7 has stumbled out of the gate, but Chris Vermeulen is gaining momentum and feels confident about the races to come.
When I looked at the calendar for 2008 and saw the start of the year featured Jerez and Portugal in the opening three events I took a big breath and hoped we would be able to get through those rounds unscathed.
As it turns out we didn't. For whatever reason they are Bridgestone's and Suzuki's worst tracks and it really has showed. Trust me, riding around fighting tooth and nail for 9th or 10th is not my idea of a fun Sunday afternoon. I want to be racing to win and we are just not in that position at the moment. I think both Loris and I have got everything possible out of the Suzuki to date.
Portugal was frustrating because again the qualifying made it so difficult. During the final session I had a race tire on, it was only about three laps old and I had to come in to give myself enough time to run the qualifiers. Now in hindsight I should have stayed out on the race tire and, like Loris, I'm certain I would have set a quicker time using the race rubber. That is just unacceptable, considering how quick the Michelin qualifiers are.
All the excuses in the world don't fix the situation, only hard work.
We are, of course, moving to tracks that favor our tire manufacture and bike. China was John Hopkins' first ever podium last year and before I had a coming together with Loris in qualifying I felt I could podium as well. So for the bike's fans and my fans, stick with us. We are working hard and there might just be a light at the end of the tunnel.
I'm very much looking forward to China and then it's on to the venue of my first Grand Prix win at Le Mans in France.
I obviously have so many memories from the historic track. Winning your first GP is a very special milestone and it's only now that I really can take in that day. At the time it was such a blur. One thing's for sure and that is it counts for nothing this year. It's where we kick started our push for the top 5 of the championship in '07 and I'm hoping we're well on our way by the time the French GP rolls around this year.
Bridgestone riders struggled at Estoril and the other opening rounds, but expect better results from Chris V in the rounds to come.
When you look at the results on paper it's pretty easy to be disappointed, but when you actually crunch the numbers there is hope. If you look at the three races we've completed this year and compare them to the 2007 events, I am only five points behind where I was last year. While that's not what we hoped for, in essence if it hadn't been for the tire problems in Qatar I'm sitting pretty heading to our better tracks. So don't give up on us just yet.
Safe Riding
This week I launched an Australia-wide Safe Riding Campaign. It's something pretty close to my heart. I am sick of seeing tragic news about motorcyclists on our roads.
I had an idea to do a campaign and with the help of Motorcycling Australia we've been able to pull off a TV, Radio and press campaign.
There is nothing better than riding a bike. You and I know you can't explain that feeling, but save the fast stuff for race tracks. They are designed with safety in mind. As a group we must look after each other and be extra careful.
I hope the campaign works. I guess if one rider says "you know what I am going slow down on that corner" or "I am going to be careful at the intersection" or if one driver decides to keep a rider in sight, then it will be worth the effort we've put in.
I think it's up to MotoGP riders to play a part when it comes to road safety. Our fans watch us riding week in and week out and a gentle reminder to take it easy never hurt anyone.
Jerez Battles
Trials and troubles... The MotoGP field is packed with the most talented riders and engineers in the world, but Vermeulen maintains a positive attitude about the Suzuki's chances.
Our first trip to Europe was for Round 2 of the Championship at Jerez in Spain. While my result was well publicized, I thought I might take you through the process of that scratchy 10th place.
We really found something with the bike that weekend. On race tires in most sessions I was top six or seven and doing in relatively easy. Qualifying was again a struggle. For whatever reason I just can't get the Bridgestone qualifier to work and it has become our obsession to fix the problem. So after putting the thing on the fourth row I decided to gamble on a very soft rear tire for the race. It was very much against Bridgestone's advice. I just felt I needed to be quick early in the race, so I went for the softer compound. The gamble being, would it last? It didn't! That was for all to see. Mid race top five was definitely obtainable based on my lap times. In the end, a not very glamorous 10th. What I want to say is that I slept well on Sunday night, satisfied it was my call and that I was at least trying to make something happen. We rolled the dice and didn't come up with the result but we did learn a nice lesson in the process.
Sailing Times
I'm writing this to you from Australia. It's one of the best chances I have to get back to the Sunshine Coast and indulge with my new pastime of sailing.
A lot of people are surprised to hear that I don't have a power boat, but I went for a sail a few months ago and that really planted the seed for me. I love working out how to get the most out of the conditions. A bit like getting the most out of the Suzuki.
I'm very much a rookie, so I'm going off to sailing school this week to try and fast track my learning. I haven't been to school for ten years, so it is going to be a big learning curve on all fronts. Let's hope I don't end up in New Zealand.
- Chris
www.chrisvermeulen.com
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