L&M Yamaha riders press ahead.

The Rider and Manufacturers Motocross 500 world championship winning Yamaha L&M Motocross Team met with the press last Tuesday, February 19. The venue was held at the head office of Yamaha Motor Europe NV, the heart of Yamaha's European business operations and also home to Yamaha Motor Racing BV.

In front of members of the invited Belgian and Dutch press, star riders Stefan Everts and Marnicq Bervoets shared their expectations for the coming 500 world championship season, which kicks off on March 24 in Valkenswaard, The Netherlands.

Team manger Michele Rinaldi was visibly proud to show-off the entire team, and he stated; "No doubt it will be difficult to defend both our titles for 2002, but I do not see a reason why we couldn't. Until now we have had an excellent preparation for the coming season. Both riders are fully fit and have a further improved bike at their disposal. I haven't given the riders any special strategy or advise, they are both very experienced and know what to do and how to do it".

The team's racing manager Carlo Rinaldi presented the 2002 YZ500FM, which has received detailed modifications to engine and suspension to stay ahead of the pack.

A novelty for 2002 is that both riders of the team are now supported by L&M, as opposed to last year when only Stefan Everts rode in their colours. Besides fielding the same riders and a bike in similar appearance, also the rest of the team remains in tact, with all members continuing to contribute to the defence of the two world titles.

The objective of both riders might be the same, but their motivations are somewhat different. Stefan Everts is going after the title of best-ever motocross rider in the world, meaning he will endeavour to win his 51st GP victory and ultimately win his sixth world title. Marnicq Bervoets on the other hand is poised to crown his impressive career, which includes no less than four world championship runner-up positions, with his first world title.