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RIDERS
/ TEAMS - 2004 WORLD MOTOCROSS
MX1
CLASS:
- SMETS
JOINS SUZUKI
Joel Smets will move from KTM to replace Mickael Pichon. Smets
will help to develop the new Suzuki RM-Z 450 4 stroke for MX1 next year.
SMETS: " ... Throughout the year I was slowly coming round to the
fact that technically we had reached the end of the line in terms of
progression of the present KTM 450 .. I had a meeting with the bosses
in Austria and their plans for the long term future were very positive,
but at this stage in my career I felt staying with the team would not
have been the best option .. Taking the step away from KTM was a difficult
thing to do because I have always had a good working relationship with
them and enjoyed my time there immensely. However, looking ahead I could
see that Suzuki had the most attractive overall package ... I believe
in the factory and I am delighted with my decision.”
SUZUKI (Sylvain Geboers): "... the decision not to renew the second
year of Mickael’s contract was a hard choice, naturally because
of the record we have enjoyed in the last few years .. However in another
way we are delighted that Joel is coming onboard and we are very pleased
to have obtained a rider that can offer so much to the team .."
- PICHON
JOINS HONDA
Mickael Pichon will move from Suzuki to Honda (Tiscali). He
will ride Honda 450 with team-mate Brian Jorgensen.
YAMAHA MX1:
- Stefan Everts,
Marnicq Bervoets
SUZUKI MX1:
- Joel Smets, Kevin
Strijbos
KTM MX1:
- Kenneth Gundersen,
Steve Ramon
HONDA MX1:
- Mickael Pichon
, Brian Jorgensen
- Josh Coppins, Gordon
Crockard
- Yoshi Atsuta, Jussi
Vehvilainen
MX2
CLASS: (125cc
2 stroke + 250cc 4 stroke)
- DOBB JOINS
HONDA - 31 year old former world 125 champion (2001) James
Dobb has joined Honda and will ride Honda CRF 250 four stroke.
"... This is an exciting time and I feel refreshed about my racing
because the last two years have been extremely difficult ... I was constantly
testing or trying to develop a new motorcycle and the lack of progress
overall was affecting my confidence ... Now I am with Honda I know that
I can be better prepared before I get to the track and be thinking 100%
about my racing instead of worrying about the bike and its performance.
The deal I have put together with the help of Colin (Reed, team owner)
and some excellent backers gives me a great opportunity to hopefully
show the kind of form that won the GP last year in Austria ... Honda
make the best motorcycles in the world, I don’t need to highlight
their record. When they put their mind to it they can win anything they
want. I had other options for 2004 but when the chance came to ride
the four-stroke it was a matter of taking some time to get everything
into place and there was no doubt where I would be riding for next year
... The main difference for me now – and I haven’t felt
this way for at least two years – is that I am happy. I believe
the deal, bike and whole package I have is very strong and now I have
to bring my end of the bargain up to the same level ..
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