Vermeulen: Suzuki set to make big impact

Vermeulen was one of the surprises of the 2007 season, going on to finish in sixth place in the standings following one win and four podium finishes.

His teammate John Hopkins competed a strong year for the team, finishing in fourth place in the riders' championship.

And as MotoGP gears up to return to action in testing at Sepang, Vermeulen reckons Suzuki can play an even more important role this year.

"I can't wait to get back on the bike and start testing again," said Vermeulen. "We made really good progress during the tests at the end of last year and I have been in constant touch with my Crew Chief Tom O'Kane, and from what we have been told the bike is looking good for this season.

"This is my third full year in MotoGP so it is a very important time in my career and I need to be performing at the top of my game from the start. I believe I am in the right team and with the right bike and we can make a big impact in 2008."

Vermeulen will be partnered by Loris Capirossi this year, and the Italian reckons it is the right time to have joined Suzuki.

"This is a great time to be with Suzuki, I believe that I have joined a team that is very much on the way up," Capirossi said. "I was pleased with the way the bike behaved in the tests last year and am very excited about what we will have to test in Sepang.

"For sure it is not going to be easy this year as other teams will have improved their bikes, but I feel we will be able to compete with anybody. We need to get into the tests and make sure we can get the best set-up and performance from the bike in time for the first race.

"You don't win races in tests but we have a good chance to make sure that we are in the best position to win them when the season starts by using these upcoming days to make every possible improvement that we can."

The Sepang test, the first of the year, begins on Tuesday.