LATEST NEWS VERMEULEN AND CAMEL HONDA TEAM 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