[Henners]

Originally posted on Crash.net
Honda has attempted to cool the speculation surrounding whether or not Phillip Island stand-in Chris Vermeulen will move to MotoGP on a permanent basis next year, claiming that it may be beneficial for him to try and win the World Superbike crown instead.

Vermeulen became the latest incumbent of the second Camel Honda when he replaced Shane Byrne as replacement for the injured Troy Bayliss at the Australian Grand Prix, and claimed a promising eleventh place behind winner Valentino Rossi despite his lack of MotoGP experience prior to practice

The Sito Pons-owned team has a vacancy to fill next season, following Bayliss' decision to returns to superbike with Ducati, and has intimated that Vermeulen would stand a good chance of landing the ride, but Honda has suggested that 2006 may be a year too early for the move, even though Vermeulen may continue on the Camel bike at the next round of the MotoGP series in Turkey this weekend.

"It may depend a little on results in these final races, but it seems that a place with Honda in MotoGP in 2006 is very difficult," Honda Racing Corporation sporting director Carlo Fiorani told the Melbourne Age newspaper, "I think the best option is for Chris to try to win the World Superbike Championship with Honda next year. That job is not yet completed."

Vermeulen came closest to toppling eventual champion Troy Corser in this year's WSBK campaign, following a run of late-season wins, but could not overcome his countryman's lightning start to the season. Should he remain in superbikes next year, he will more than likely close a door at the Ten Kate team being held open for deposed Ducati man James Toseland.