Chris Vermeulen and his countryman Casey Stoner have left American MotoGP fans with a big dose of Aussie fever, after the pair went one two at Laguna Seca in California today.

Vermeulen and his Rizla Suzuki started from third and took a brilliant 2nd place to move him to 4th in the battle for the world championship.

“I thought we were going to have the chance to run with Casey (Stoner) for longer than we did, but he was quick. I thought I could go with him, I was having a little bit of trouble with the front when I dropped back. I just decided keep it up right and get to the end.” Vermeulen said.

Early in the race Vermeulen started to reel in Stoner after passing Dani Pedrosa.

“He had that second on me early, but Dani Pedrosa wasn’t going slowly, I was trying to get him earlier, but to be fair I wasn’t close enough. It took me a good full lap to get close enough and I thought I’d pass him in the last section where I was quickest.”

The twenty five year old used his podium finish to end months of speculation.

One of the most sort after riders in the paddock agreeing to stay on with Suzuki for 2 years. In his words to finish what he started.

He said, “I discussed with other teams but Suzuki made it clear early that I was wanted. I just wanted to make sure that I was going to get on the best bike for my future and I feel like I’ve made the right decision.

“The main thing for me was to be on a factory bike. That’s really important at the moment the way things are developing and to be a part of that development process. If you are in a non factory team you don’t get things first.”

After his team mate decided to leave two weeks ago, Vermeulen’s signature has been a priority.

“I don’t think John (Hopkins) leaving strengthened my position at all, but from my point of view it will make me the senior rider. I’ve been with Suzuki the longest and I’ll have the most experience in the team and I’ll start testing the new bike before anyone else.”

Vermeulen’s record in America is outstanding and the fans will see more of him next year when the MotoGP circuit adds Indianapolis to the calendar in September, but for now it’s home for a break, happy in the thought a barnstorming finish to the year is well and truly on the cards.

“I’ve been approached by different people basically from the China Grand Prix. Things have been happening from very early this season and it has distracted me. I think, what am I going to do, should I go here, should I go there, that’s not the right thing. My focus should be on the job I’m at. I’m happy I’m done. I can go into the break and enjoy it, come back for Brno and stick the thing on the box again.”