Vermeulen celebrates 'big step forward'

The Rizla Suzuki rider started 13th and 14th for the first two Grands Prix of the season, and although he made progress in the races, he could not match his podium-challenging teammate John Hopkins' form.

But he has secured ninth on the grid in Istanbul, just a tenth slower than seventh-placed Hopkins.

"It was a much better qualifying than the previous two races," said Vermeulen.

"We've made a big step forward, not only in qualifying but in race set-up as well.

"The whole bike has improved over the weekend and I approached this GP a little differently, and from that we seem to have been well inside the top 10 on both days.

"The bike is working well and the team have done a great job with it. We've done a lot of laps on both front and rear Bridgestone tyres and they seem to stay very consistent so we hope they will continue to do that tomorrow.

"Starting from the third row will make my job a bit easier, but I still need to get through quickly and onto the front group if I want to get on that podium."

Hopkins is also targeting the podium, but fears that it might be hard to make progress in the race.

"It will be a case of getting a good start as it will be a bit difficult to pass here as it's so slippery off-line," he said.

"There are a couple of good braking spots where you might be able to get past, but it will be tough.

"I need to put my head down, run at the front and go for the podium."