Chris Vermeulen heads to the final round of the 2009 MotoGP season determined to end his tenure in the premier motorcycle series in style before embarking on a return to the World Superbike Championship.

Following the culmination of the Valencia finale, Vermeulen will begin preparing for his switch to the Kawasaki World Superbike team, bringing an end to his Rizla Suzuki MotoGP career that has spanned four seasons and spawned one win and seven podiums.

While his 2009 season hasn't gone as well as hoped, Vermeulen can still end his time in the series on a high note as he bids to become the only rider to finish each race inside the points this season.

Furthermore, although he is currently languishing in 11th position overall heading to Spain, he is just three points off both Marco Melandri and team-mate Loris Capirossi in seventh and eighth respectively.

“I am totally focused on going out on a high at Valencia. This will be my last race in MotoGP – for at least a couple of years – and I want to make sure it is one that I can be proud of.

“My time with the Suzuki team has been great and my crew has worked tirelessly throughout my time here to give me the best bike they can whatever the conditions, so a good result will be as much for them as for myself.

“I have scored points in every race this year and want to make the last one the highest points scoring one. I will certainly be going for a podium this weekend, I know that will be tough, but that's the target and one that I would really love to achieve!”