Vermeulen hoping for Qatar test boost

The Rizla Suzuki team have been frustrated by poor weather in recent tests as they continue development of their GSV-R, so Vermeulen is keeping his fingers crossed for a more productive time at Losail.

"We still have a lot to do at this test as we are still looking for the best set-up for this year's bike," said Vermeulen. "We didn't get as much dry track time as we wanted at the last test in Jerez so we need two good days at Qatar to get the best out of the bike.

"It is a very exciting thing to be riding the bike at night, but that will also present us with some extra problems that we will need to overcome as well, like where to put the lights on the bike and managing to stay awake."

Teammate Loris Capirossi was one of a few riders to test at Losail in the dark last year, as he evaluated whether or not a night race was possible. The Italian is confident that competing at night will not throw up any problems.

"I tested in Qatar on a Suzuki GSX-R last year under the lights, and the track was very good," he said.

"It was very bright and almost like day-light, I could even use a dark visor! It is going to be a new thing for all of us and I am really looking forward to riding my GSV-R there at night.

"We still have many things to test and I hope we will be able to get through all the programme so we are ready for the first race. It is going to be very strange riding through the night and not finishing till mid-night, it will be like doing a 24hr race."