SMETS LOOKS FOR PODIUM IN GERMANY
12 May 2005 - Suzuki Racing

Team Suzuki travel to Teutschenthal in Germany this weekend for the Grand Prix of Europe, the fifth round of the 2005 FIM MX1 World Championship as a reduced force.

Kevin Strijbos is unlikely to be back in action until the British Grand Prix at Matchams Park on June 5th after being diagnosed with thrombosis in his left arm and cannot ride for another two weeks. The Belgian squad therefore head out to the circuit close to the city of Leipzig hoping that Joel Smets can consolidate his high standing in the current points table and aim for his third podium result of the season.

The Grand Prix of Europe comes hot on the heels of the rainy outing at Namur last weekend where the 36 year old was able to capture fourth position.

The Talkessel circuit in Teutschenthal divides rider opinion perhaps like no other. Boasting a grippy terrain and a very natural layout that is quick and spectacular, Talkessel is a real rider''s track but also has its critics in terms of the high speed and safety. Last year saw an accident-packed meeting in which Mickael Pichon, Andrea Bartolini and Marc de Reuver all crashed heavily on the same fast stretch close to the finish line. After the drama 12 months previously, the club have taken the initiative and altered the course to create a new series of corners to drop the pace. The rest of the Talkessel track remains untouched and gives some sensational viewing as the riders weave across jumps and steep inclines in the rural setting 15 minutes away from Leipzig.

Joel Smets placed fourth at Teutschenthal for the 2004 Grand Prix of Germany with moto finishes of fifth and third.

The weather forecast for the weekend predicts bright and sunny conditions with slight cloud.

Joel Smets:

''Teutschenthal is a little bit like road racing because we go so fast! I am looking forward to going there. I did not win at Namur but I was satisfied with the good points that I scored and I know I can do better. I will be in contention for the podium again in Germany and the track shouldn''t be a problem. The Suzuki is good enough to handle all sorts of circuits so we will be ready to fight.''

MX1 World Championship standings (after four rounds): 1 Everts 172, 2 Pichon 145, 3 Smets 132, 4 Coppins 131, 5 Townley 121, 6 Ramon 100, 7 Cooper 79, 8 Noble 76, 9 Jorgensen 75, 10 De Dijcker 70. 16 Strijbos 48. 19 Atsuta 39.

www.suzuki-racing.com

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