Vermeulen targets Italy podium

French Grand Prix winner Chris Vermeulen says he is ready to prove that his Le Mans victory was no flash in the pan as the series heads to Mugello this weekend

The Australian rode brilliantly in the wet conditions at Le Mans to take his and Rizla Suzuki's first MotoGP win - but he is well aware that he is going to have another tough weekend in Italy.

But with engine improvements pencilled in for the team's GSV-R bike, he is optimistic that more podiums can follow for his team.

"Last weekend was a great result for me and the team, but that was last week and now we have to start all over again at Mugello," said Vermeulen. "I struggled to get to grips with the circuit last year and only managed 14th in the race. I am determined to do better than that this year as I know I have improved and so has the bike.

"Monday's test at Le Mans was pretty good and we will have the new parts for Italy. I am looking forward to getting back out there and we must now build on the wet win and podium and start doing it in the dry - which I know we are capable of."

Teammate John Hopkins, who scored his first podium finish in China, is equally upbeat about his team's chances this weekend.

"I was a bit disappointed at the end of the race at Le Mans as we had worked so hard in the dry and then that was spoiled by the weather," he said. "We will continue to work hard in Italy and hope that the weather holds this time.

"I really like the Mugello track. It is fast and flowing and I think it will suit the 800 well. We made a number of steps forward at Le Mans in the test. We will have the new parts in Italy and I think they will be a big help. I feel good about my riding and my chances of a good result in Italy."