Vermeulen exploited all of his renowned wet weather prowess to take his first grand prix victory in soaking conditions - putting Suzuki on the top step of the podium for the first time since the introduction of the four-stroke
MotoGP regulations in 2002.
Neither Vermeulen nor Suzuki has won since, with the Australian managing a best finish of eighth from the four rounds so far held this season - and was forced to retire with chain problems last time out in Shanghai.
"I am looking forward to getting to Le Mans, not just because of the good memories of my first MotoGP win there, but because we need to get back on the bike and try to get the GSV-R as competitive as it can be," said Chris.
"I was really disappointed after Shanghai, but I know the Suzuki staff have been working hard to find out the cause of the problem and I'm sure that won't happen again.
"The results we are getting are not what we all deserve for all the hard work that we are putting in, maybe we just need that bit of luck to go our way - so what better place than Le Mans for that to happen," he added.
New team-mate
Loris Capirossi isn't so comfortable in the wet, finishing eighth for Ducati at Le Mans last year, but claimed second position at the French circuit in 2006. Like Vermeulen, the Italian is desperate to make the 2008 GSV-R competitive as soon as possible.
"The performance at Shanghai showed that we are close to the front guys now and the GSV-R is becoming more and more competitive at each event. Both Chris and I could have had much better results but for my mistake and the problems that we had in the race," said Loris, ninth at Shanghai after also experiencing chain problems.
"I believe the bike is very capable of running at the front and we need to start getting the positions that we want. Everybody at Suzuki is working so hard to make it happen and I want to be part of it!" declared Loris, who is already expected to stay at Suzuki for 2009.
First free practice at Le Mans takes place next Friday morning.
