An interesting comparison ...
Shakey
Malaysia
Q - 18th, 4.7 seconds behind pole, 3.5 seconds behind Barros
Race - 14th - 1 minute and 19.1 seconds behind race winner. 1 minute and 1 second behind Barros who finished 8th
Qatar
Q - 17th, 3.1 seconds behind pole, 1 second behind Barros
Race - 13th - 1 minute and 4.8 seconds behind race winner. 23.1 seconds behind Barros who finished 9th
Never qualified ahead of a Honda, let alone Biaggi!
Vermin
Australia
Q - 13th, 1.8 seconds behind pole, 0.9 seconds behind Barros
Race - 11th, 50.8 seconds behind race winner. Barros crashed out.
Istanbul
Q - 11th, 1.8 seconds behind pole, 0.5 seconds behind Barros. Not the last Honda!! Biaggi qualified in 12th!
Considering Shakey's experience in the GP paddock riding on these tyres with more horsepower than Vermin you'd have to say that Vermin has done a much better job - IMO.