Vermeulen aims for podium finish

The Rizla Suzuki rider, whose time was almost eight tenths slower than pole position, admitted he was disappointed with his qualifying result at Le Mans, where he took his first win last year.

"As a whole the weekend has gone very well and I am happy with the progress we have made, but I'm a bit disappointed with the qualifying position as it has been our worst session of the weekend," said the Australian.

"The bike and tyres are both working well and I am pleased with the way I am riding around Le Mans. We have a good race pace and set-up, and we did quite a few laps on the Bridgestone race tyres and are happy with the choice of rubber for tomorrow for both consistency and durability.

"I honestly think we are in good stead to fight for a podium and I will be trying my best to achieve that - that's certainly my goal."

Suzuki team manager Paul Denning echoed his rider's sentiments ahead of the race.

"The result today isn't what we were looking for in terms of positions," he said, "but as ever the pace has been really hot and the competition is immense. Chris has got to a high level on race tyres, and he has been consistently amongst the first four or five.

"If he can get away well from the third row, and be in the front group in the early laps, the team has every confidence that he has the bike, the tyres and the ability to challenge for the podium."