While the expectation of regaining Yamaha's MX1-GP crown falls mainly in the lap of team-mate Coppins, Raspanti believes that Philippaerts is capable of a few surprises:
"We believe that David is one of the fastest riders in MX1 but he still needs some more experience," he said. "He is only 24 and potentially has a good career ahead of him. His strengths as a rider are his skills on the bike, his strong character and his fighting spirit. We expect a forward step in 2008 and we will support him totally to help achieve that."
Mantova will be the first of several race appearances for Philippaerts before the world championship gets underway at the Valkenswaard circuit for the Grand Prix of Netherlands on April 6th.
"I want to get a lot of race time and hours so that I am completely ready to go at the first round," the seven-time grand prix winner said, "so I will be racing the pre-season international events and using them very much as testing opportunities."
