Qatar MX Cup to open international season.

Following a great 2002 edition, the Qatar MX Cup is ready to kick off another successful and unique racing experience at the beginning of February - and will have the privilege of being the curtain raiser for top international motocross this year.

New contents have been added to the race format by promoter Georges Job?. First of all, the programme has been doubled and will consist of two racing days, to take place on the 7th and 10th February. Three Open class-only motos - of 20mins + 2 laps - will be raced each day by a growing selection of top GP riders. The overall combination of the single six results will determine the new Qatar MX Cup champion.

The rarity of this event comes from the unique circuit on which the race is run. Carefully shaped by US track designer Marc Peters, the circuit lies on a huge sand dune located just metres from the exotic Qatari beach.

The 2003 edition's starting list counts on an increased variety of top GP riders, led by the reigning champion, Belgian four-time world champion Joel Smets, who rides a factory 450cc four-stroke KTM. Smets' team-mates Yves Demaria, Pit Beirer - who won the first of the three motos in 2002 - and Javier Garcia Vico also join the group.

Excellent performances are expected also from sand specialists like Marc de Reuver and Patric Caps, both still on a KTM, while the top calibre also includes also 1999 500cc world champion Andrea Bartolini, who marks his first race back on a Yamaha at the event. Every bike manufacturer will be represented at the 2003 competition, courtesy of a complete list of 33 riders.

The feminine side of motocross will also have a presence thanks to the appearance of superstar Stefy Ba?, the fastest female MX rider in the world. The 1999 and 2002
American Womens' MX League champion will fly all the way to the heart of the Middle East from Tallahassee, Florida, to challenge the competitive boys division on a 125cc Honda.

The programme will be completed by a freestyle contest performed by Frenchmen Xavier Fabre, Jeremy Rouannet, Ludovic Guillord, plus Canadian Andy Bell and Reagan Sieg.

Entry list - 2003 Qatar MX Cup:

1. Joel Smets BEL KTM
3. Stefy Ba? ITA Honda
4. Javier Garcia Vico SPA KTM
5. Davide Rocca ITA Honda
6. James Marsh GBR KTM
7. Pit Beirer GER KTM
8. Erwin Robins NL Yamaha
9. Jacky Martens BEL Husaberg
10. Patrick Caps BEL KTM
11. Sebastien Pourcel FRA Kawasaki
16. Andrea Bartolini ITA Yamaha
21. Yves Demaria FRA KTM
22. Tyla Rattray RSA KTM
26. Marc de Reuver NL KTM
31. Avo Leok EST Honda
32. Cristian Stevanini ITA Husqvarna
34. Danny Theybers BEL Husaberg
37. Cedric Melotte BEL Honda
41. Christian Burnham GBR Honda
45. Jiri Cepelak CZ Honda
46. Fabrizio Dini ITA Honda
47. Serge Guidetty FRA Kawasaki
50. Antoine Letellier FRA Yamaha
51. Joakim Karlsson SWE Husaberg
53. Tanel Leok EST KTM
62. Christophe Martin FRA Suzuki
68. Peter Iven BEL KTM
77. Marc Ristori SUI Honda
107. Aigar Leok EST KTM
124. Manuel Monni ITA Honda
211. Eric Hubin BEL KTM
511. Johan Boonen BEL KTM