Chris Vermeulen has vowed to fight for his place in the 2010 MotoGP championship after receiving the bombshell that he would not be receiving a contract offer from Suzuki.
The Australian, who secured Suzuki’s only ever victory in the four-stroke era with a victory at Le Mans in 2007, was told last month that he would not be offered a new contract to ride with Rizla Suzuki, being replaced with rookie rider Alvaro Bautista next year.
That has left Vermeulen seeking a ride for next year, with speculation linking him with a number of rides back in World Superbikes, the championship that he left in 2006, but the 27-year-old appears to be increasingly determined to remain in MotoGP. Insidebikes
“I am disappointed that Suzuki has decided not to renew my contract for next season, but I am absolutely committed to continuing my career in the top flight of motorcycle racing,” Vermeulen said.
“MotoGP has been my life for the past four years and I still have unfinished business here.”
“I am a fighter and I know that with the right technical package I am capable of battling with and beating the best in this sport.”
“The Le Mans win has been the highlight of my career so far and it will always remain a special feeling to have taken what is Suzuki’s only four-stroke victory to date.”
“But this year has not been an easy season for me, although I have scored points in every race and chasing the top six in the championship.”
“My motivation is firmly intact and the fact that I am looking for a new team for the 2010 season only reinforces that.”
Apart from his win at Le mans in 2007, Vermeulen has scored six other podiums for the team, including a stunning second place on a wet track at the Australian Grand Prix in 2006. Brisbane Times
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