MotoGP: Suzuki unveil Sheene tribute paint scheme

Vermeulen and his Sheene tribute paint scheme

Vermeulen with Freddie Sheene, son of the late GP superstar

Chris Vermeulen today unveiled his new Barry Sheene tribute Suzuki GSV-R for thisweekend's Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island.

The bike is designed to pay homage to Vermeulen's mentor, and personal hero Barry Sheene. The livery was inspired by the Suzuki 'XR14' that the double Suzuki World Champion rode in the seventies. Vermeulen was joined by Barry's son Freddie to uncover the bike in readiness for tomorrow's first free practice session.

Vermeulen also revealed his retro style race suit and new helmet design,

both of which are also based on Sheene's iconic images from days gone

by.

To see more pictures of Vermeulen and the Suzuki GSV-R just go to

www.rizla-suzuki-motogp.co.uk/pages/multimedia/images.aspx?gid=491