STRIJBOS WANTS ISLE OF WIGHT PODIUM
25 August 2005 - Suzuki Racing

The Grand Prix of England, taking place at the exciting Gore-Basin circuit on the Isle of Wight this weekend, represents the 15th round of the 2005 FIM MX1 World Championships and the first of only three events remaining in the current international campaign for Team Suzuki.

GP of Sweden winner Kevin Strijbos will travel to the small Island situated off the English south coast hopeful of improving his World Championship standing - currently 19th after missing a handful of races through injury - and forgetting the Gaildorf mud-bath last week where he could only score 14th overall.

The Belgian crew are once again down to single rider representation with Strijbos running the yellow colours in Joel Smets'' absence.

Motovision Suzuki Racing''s Yoshitaka Atsuta will be receiving more attention that usual at his team''s home meeting. Manager Mark Chamberlain has been busy preparing the popular circuit for the visit of the World Championships.

The scenic Gore-Basin facility, located in the rolling Arreton downs, made its inaugural appearance last year under the title of the British Grand Prix. It may have been switched to the ''English'' round for 2005 but the acclaimed layout remains the same for this weekend''s programme with its daunting timing section, grippy terrain and mix between the technical and spectacular again sure to thrill the fans as much as the riders. Twelve months ago, Kevin Strijbos grabbed fourth position in the second moto.

After Sunday''s races the season hurries towards it climax with the two last Grands Prix in Holland and Ireland occurring within a three-week period.

Joel Smets has almost certainly made his last outing as a Suzuki rider after his unfortunate accident last weekend in Gaildorf left the 36 year old veteran with a painfully dislocated left knee. Damage to the capsule under the patella, top of the tibia and problems with internal bleeding mean the Belgian is looking at a six month recovery period. The team wish Joel all the best for his rehab and swift return.

The weather forecast for the weekend is bright but cloudy with temperatures around 20 degrees.

Kevin Strijbos:

''I like the track as it is cool to ride. I really want to be on the podium again and I know I can do it there. I am looking forward to going back. The mud is a little bit sandy and the jumps are really well prepared. I will be working hard this week to forget Gaildorf because it was a nightmare.''

MX1 World Championship Standings (after 14 rounds): 1 Stefan Everts, (BEL) 589. 2 Joshua Coppins, (NZL) 536. 3 Ben Townley, (NZL) 460. 4 Mickael Pichon, (FRA) 404. 5 Joel Smets, (BEL) 385. 6 Steve Ramon, (BEL) 380. 7 Pascal Leuret, (FRA) 278. 8 Ken de Dijcker, (BEL) 268. 9 Tanel Leok, (EST) 254. 10 James Noble, (GBR) 252. 13 Danny Theybers, (BEL) 226. 14 Yoshitaka Atsuta, (JPN) 185. 19 Kevin Strijbos, (BEL) 126.

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