Monday, October 3rd 2005

Chris Vermeulen rides with Camel Honda team in Australia

Troy Bayliss' recovery is going to plan after surgery on his left wrist in
Australia three weeks ago. To minimise the damage eighteen screws were inserted,
and once he returned to Europe, Troy immediately began the rehabilitation
process, so he could be back riding as soon as possible. His current condition
is such that he will be unable to take part in the Australian GP in fifteen days
time. The Camel Honda team wish Troy a speedy return to the squad, and have
lined up young Australian rider Chris Vermeulen to race as his replacement in
Phillip Island.

Having just concluded the World Superbike season for his Winston Ten Kate Honda
Team, Vermeulen will join up with Alex Barros as he rides an RC211V for the
first time, and is understandably delighted about the golden chance given to him
by the Camel Honda team.

"I'm really excited about the opportunity to ride Honda's RC211V. I had a test
scheduled for the end of last season but had to miss that because of an injury,
so I'm really happy that this chance has come round again. I've made no secret
of the fact that MotoGP is where I want to go with my career and Honda has the
best bike in the championship. But, to be honest, I'm trying not to think about
this ride too much. I've got two more rounds and four more races in the World
Superbike championship for the Winston Ten Kate Honda team. That's my job for
the next two weekends and that's what I'll be focusing on 100%. Right now, the
GP ride is a special, end-of-season bonus for me".

Date of birth: 19 June 1982
Place of birth: Brisbane, Australia
Home town: Sispony, Andorra
Status: Single
Height/weight: 1.75m/67kg
Hobbies: Motocross, running, surfing, restoring cars
First race: 1986 - North Brisbane (aged 4)
First win: 1998 - Lakeside
Helmet: Shoei
Leathers: Berik
Boots: TBA
Race: number 77

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

1994-98 Dirt track racing in Australia
1998    Three rounds of Australian 250cc GP and 600 Championships
1999    Australian Superbike championship:Final position 8th
        Asian 250cc championship: Final position 2nd
2000    British Supersport championship - Sanyo Honda:Final position 5th
        British Superstock championship - Sanyo Honda: Final position 3rd
2001    World Supersport championship - Castrol Honda:Final position 17th
2002    World Supersport championship - Van Zon Honda:Final position 7th
2003    World Supersport championship - Ten Kate Honda:Final position 1st - four wins
2004    World Superbike championship - Ten Kate Honda:Final position 4th - four wins