Vermeulen not focusing on points

The Australian's second place at Misano has brought him up to fourth in the championship - 24 points behind third-placed Dani Pedrosa and 42 behind Valentino Rossi in second.

Suzuki have now taken podium finishes in the last three races, and their strong form has increased Vermeulen's chances of breaking into the championship top three.

But Vermeulen said he was not concerned about that target.

"It's not out of the question, but it's not what I'm looking at," he told the BBC.

"We don't have a chance to win this world title. I've signed again for Suzuki for the future and my goal is to try and be world champion next year.

"Right now we're just developing the bike and trying to get the best results we can."

Vermeulen put race winner and dominant championship leader Casey Stoner under pressure for much of today's San Marino Grand Prix before the Ducati rider edged away to take victory by four seconds.

"He gets away really well at the start," Vermeulen said.

"I felt like we were going quick, so was John (Hopkins). John was hanging right in there with Casey, I got past him and felt like I was almost on the back of Stoner.

"But I had a couple of issues with my front tyre, Casey obviously didn't and he kept the pace strong. But I'm very happy to be on the podium."