Vermeulen claims he can be competitive on the Kwaka; Parkes out with broken tibia
Life just don’t get any easier for Australian motorcycle racer Chris Vermeulen, even though he’s departed MotoGP for the so-called sanctuary of world superbikes.
That’s because the amenable Queenslander has taken on the massive challenge of turning Kawasaki’s fortunes around in world superbikes, starting with the 2010 Yamaha Phlilip Island opening round of the World Superbike Championship on February 28.
But it’s a role he has embraced, and he expectantly counts himself in the list of riders capable of winning races in 2010.
“I can do it. I’ve won 10 WSBK races before, been runner-up in the championship, and beaten most of those guys one stage of another,” said Vermeulen. “We’ve got a new team that’s got to gel together and we’ve got a motorcycle we’re trying to develop, so it’s about putting every piece of the puzzle together to get up the front.
“In 2010, there are seven factory teams with two riders each and all of those riders are expected to be fighting at the front. And then you’ve got your Shane Byrnes and your Carlos Checas and people like that on private bikes.
“Realistically there are 15 or 16 riders who could win a WSBK race this year – honestly. It’s not going to be easy at all, and the depth is the strongest I’ve seen in a long time.
“But for sheer championship presence you can never write off someone like Noriyuki Haga, especially if he wakes up on the right side of the bed.”
Vermeulen’s first serious hit-out on the Kawasaki ZX-10R was in Portugal last month, which gave him a chance to prioritise what major set-up issues had to be addressed before the start of the championship.
“Portimao was a great test for us in that we learnt a lot about the bike, even though we got a little bit unlucky with some weather,” said Vermeulen.
“Kawasaki and Showa (suspension) have developed some new parts from the information we came up with at Portimao and we are going to be testing them at Phillip Island (on February 21-22), concentrating on things like weight transfer on the bike from braking to accelerating.
“They will be our priorities, and when we go into the race weekend it will be all about going as fast as we can!”
As far as power output is concerned – one area where riders always traditionally plead for more – Vermeulen is reasonably content.
“I think the Kawasaki has a similar top speed to the BMW or Ducati, and it’s a little bit down on the Aprilia and Honda at the moment,” the 27-year-old said. “But we are certainly in a sound position engine-wise to start the season as we work on some of the other bigger issues.”
Although this year is a vitally important one for Vermeulen and Kawasaki, there is no doubt that both parties are looking ahead with heady anticipation for the arrival of an all-new ZX-10 for 2011.
“Some of the information we have been gathering on the current bike is really good, as it’s all going towards the 2011 bike – where our main priority is,” said Vermeulen.
“I’ve seen some prototype 2011 bikes already and it’s completely different – and looks pretty special. Until I throw a leg over it I can’t really say, but I’ll definitely be testing that during this season.
“That whole project is what really drove me to Kawasaki, but I’m trying not to get ahead of myself.
“As for 2010, the team is not putting any pressure on me and is saying top 10 results would be great, because they haven’t had a lot of them. But personally I want to be in top five consistently starting the season – I’m a racer with no patience, but that’s normal.
“I hope we are going to be competitive at Phillip Island and in the front group challenging.”
NEWCASTLE’S BROC PARKES OUT
Meanwhile, Vermeulen’s countryman Broc Parkes from Newcastle (Honda) will miss round one after breaking his right tibia in a training accident on the weekend. He’s expected to be out of the saddle for 4-6 weeks, which would mean a return to racing in round two at Portimao in late March.
TICKETS
Tickets are now on sale for the 2010 Yamaha Phillip Island round of the Superbike World Championship. Visit www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au or tel the Toll Free Superbike Hot Line on 1300 728 007.
If Sunday race day is for you, a one day ticket is just $70*, with family deals and concessions also available.
For super value and a chance to experience SUPER FRIDAY grab an advance THREE day pass at $130*. It includes bonus Super Friday giving free paddock access on Friday morning (till 1pm) and the chance to meet the world’s best riders at an open meet and greet. Camping at the circuit is also available at $99 for four nights.
Want to experience world superbikes in style? BAR SBK may be your ticket – a portable three day pass that gives access to four undercover and licensed viewing locations around the circuit in prime locations for $240*.
Savvy punters will buy in advance to save on their ticket and go into the draw to win one of four spots on the grid for Superbike race one.
* general admission ticket purchased in advance, plus handling charge
– Honda hospitality at Phillip Island World Superbike round still on offer
– BMW Motorrad adds to their World Superbike Hospitality at Phillip Island
