2007 Le Mans winner Chris Vermeulen made two appearances on provisional pole during Saturday's qualifying session for the French Grand Prix, but was left disappointed by the end of the hour.

After a tough first four races of this season, Vermeulen - inspired by last year's victory - has been on impressive form all weekend at Le Mans, but will line-up only eighth on the grid after losing out in the closing stages of a hectic qualifying hour.

Nevertheless, the Australian is aiming to battle for Rizla Suzuki's first podium of the year on Sunday - and if it rains he be a firm victory contender.

"As a whole the weekend has gone very well and I am happy with the progress we have made, but I'm a bit disappointed with the qualifying position as it has been our worst session of the weekend," said Chris.

"The bike and tyres are both working well and I am pleased with the way I am riding around Le Mans. We have a good race pace and set-up, and we did quite a few laps on the Bridgestone race tyres and are happy with the choice of rubber for tomorrow for both consistency and durability.

"I honestly think we are in good stead to fight for a podium and I will be trying my best to achieve that - that's certainly my goal!" he declared.

"If [Chris] can get away well from the third row, and be in the front group in the early laps, the team has every confidence that he has the bike, the tyres and the ability to challenge for the podium," underlined team manager Paul Denning.

Loris Capirossi will start immediately behind his team-mate in eleventh after being blocked on his final lap.

"The whole weekend hasn't been very easy, but I really want to say a big thank-you to all my team because we decided to modify the whole bike for this afternoon, and it worked because my feeling was much better," said the Italian. "We improved the rhythm and now I think we are not in too bad a position for the race. I lost out on my last qualifying lap - which was my quickest so far - because of two riders having a chat on the track, and I missed out on my best lap. For tomorrow I think we can improve further and if we get a good start I think I can stay with the top guys."

"For Loris we are still looking for a little more speed from the whole package, he improved significantly and dropped into the 34s this afternoon, but we still need to find a bit more and allow him to run with the front group. His qualifying position was compromised by two riders having a discussion in the middle of the racetrack, but this happens and Loris has seen enough of this over the years not to be too worried about it!" added Denning