For sure I think I will learn a lot from him at the actual races with stuff like my preparation. We get on OK, and with this year being my first season I guess I do not really pose much of a threat to him. Being in the same team as Mickael will enable me to learn a lot and for that I am happy.
Q: What do you think of the 250 Suzuki?
Kevin Strijbos: I already think that the 2003 bike is better than last years. I raced in the Dutch Championships last week and managed to holeshot both times.
The Suzuki comes out of the corners very easily and the power is very good but not too strong; it's fun to ride. At the beginning I was a little apprehensive of jumping straight onto a bigger and faster bike - I am only 17! Now after the tests I know that I have made the right decision.
It is really different to the basic 125 I had in 2002. I had to change my style a little bit such as shifting the bike because with the 250 you do not go as high in each gear: This is my first factory ride but I am looking forward to the challenge.
Q: So, what do you hope for in 2003?
Kevin Strijbos: A top ten finish at the end of the year would be great. I have already seen in the pre-season races that there will be a lot of strong riders in the Motocross GP class.
With a good start maybe I could get into the top six or seven at the GPs. I am very lucky in that there is no pressure from the team, I can just get out there and ride my own race.
The best races of the season for me will be at Valkenswaard and Lierop, although there are many better sand riders in the Motocross GPs than in the 125s, people like [Jamie] Dobb and [Gordon] Crockard. I will enjoy getting to every GP and just take what I can from each round.
