Vermeulen's Inside Line Photo Gallery

Follow Chris Vermeulen's 2008 Grand Prix progress in Motorcycle USA's Vermeulen's Inside Line column.

Vermeulen scored an impressive podium finish at last year's Red Bull USGP, with the Rizla rider aiming for a sweep of the U.S. rounds this year.

Chris V's first career GP victory came under the rain at Le Mans.

With the taste of GP victory at Le Mans, Vermeulen is ready for more in 2008.

The floppy hat returns for 2008, penning a monthly column for MotorcycleUSA.com.

With Bridgestone and Suzuki support, Vermeulen is looking to up his game in the MotoGP series.

Coolangatta Gold winner Rhys Drury showed Vermeulen the ropes during a recent sea kayaking excursion.

Vermeulen has been staying in shape during the off-season, with activities like kayaking, seen here with ironman competitor Rhys Drury.

Catch a wave and you're sitting on the top the world. Hopefully, catching a wave during his training off-season will see Chris Vermeulen sitting on of the MotoGP standings.

The new GSV-R is improved, with more horsepower.

Vermeulen is looking for some podiums and has set the USGP double as a goal for 2008.

Chris Vermeulen ran during a grueling Vo2 Max test and the Suzuki MotoGP rider's fitness was deemed on the level of Olympic atheletes.

Number 7 will be keen to make amends after a poor start to the 2008 season.

Vermeulen was turning competitive laps on the GSV-R after he came out of the pits with a fresh tire at Qatar.

The Suzuki team is just one of the squads hoping Bridgestone comes out on top in the '08 tire war.

Chris V may have finished last due to a faulty front tire, but the Aussie's spirits are not diminished for a successful 2008 season.

Divide KPH by 10, then trade the K from kilometer to knot and you get Chris' new favorite pastime - sailing off Australia's Sunshine Coast.

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.

At Jerez Vermeulen gambled with a rear soft compound, with his Bridgestone not lasting the race. It went against advice, but the Aussie slept good over making the call.

Vermeulen didn't dazzle at Estoril, but the Bridgestone riders have had some rough times at the opening rounds. Expect better results for Chris V in the future.

Number 7 has stumbled out of the gate, but is gaining momentum for the remainder of the season.

Chris Vermeulen in action at the Donington circuit.

Vermeulen proves why he is such a fan favorite.

Starting on the grid from the front row, Vermeulen brough the Suzuki home to a top-10 finish at Donington even with rear tire troubles.

Cold hands and getting hassled by security after a crash, qualifying had its up and downs but resulted in a front-row start.

Chris V is looking forward to the upcoming stop at Assen, with the Aussie having found great success in the past aboard the Dutch-based Ten Kate team in World Supersport and Superbike.

Chris Vermeulen usually leaves Monterey with some podium or qualifying loot. The only thing lacking is a USGP victory, which the Aussie plans to remedy. MotoGP timbers, prepare to be shivered.