MotoGP: Vermeulen sticks with Rizla

Vermeulen ... still rolling in 2008

CHRIS Vermeulen has confirmed his place in the Rizla Suzuki MotoGP squad for 2008, having signed a multi-year deal with the Japanese team.

Vermeulen has hit form this season, having initially had a rocky ride since signing with the team after riding for the Honda Pons team in 2005. The 25-year old Australian now sits in fourth place in the MotoGP world championship after a solid ride for second place at Laguna Seca.

Vermeulen was approached by other GP teams, including Kawasaki and Tech-3 Yamaha but the young-gun reckons he's got what it takes to get Suzuki their first world championship title since 1993.

Vermeulen's team-mate John Hopkins will switch to Kawasaki in 2008 and his replacement is likely to be Loris Capirossi, who has been with the Ducati Team, since it's entry into MotoGP in 2001.