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Vermeulen blames Honda delays for switch

Suzuki's newest MotoGP signing Chris Vermeulen has revealed that delays in the Honda camp caused him to switch teams.

Speaking at the Suzuki stand at this week's NEC Motorcycle show, the former Superbike rider revealed that his performances in the Australian and Turkish Grand Prix led to a flurry of MotoGP offers, with Honda's coming too late.

According to the young Aussie, Honda wanted him to stay in Superbikes for another season.

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However, Vermeulen was adamant that he wanted to make the switch to MotoGP and when a firm Honda offer did not materialise he decided to sign contracts with Suzuki.

"I felt that this move to Suzuki would be a better move for my future. I will be riding for a great team, a factory team that has won championships in the past and hopefully we will do it in the future," he explained.

Vermeulen also went on to praise Suzuki's tyre supplier, Bridgestone, who he anticipates will help in his search for MotoGP success.

"I'm very excited to be with Bridgestone tyres," Vermeulen said. "Valentino [Rossi] is on Michelins and, even on the same stuff as him, next year it will be hard to beat him. Bridgestone quite often come out with a tyre that's quite capable of winning races, so that can help us shine."

Vermeulen will ride with Suzuki and new teammate John Hopkins for the first time next weekend in Valencia as this year's MotoGP season comes to a close.


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