Preview - 2003 World Championships.

The 2003 FIM Motocross World Championships begins this weekend at the Bellpuig circuit in Catalunya, Spain, where a new era will begin for the revamped series.

For this year, the 125, 250 and 500cc classifications have been modified to suit the growing presence of four-stroke motorcycles, with the creation of a new 'Motocross GP' category [encompassing 250cc two-strokes and 450cc four-strokes] creating a 'Super Class', which will finally combine the best riders in the world.

This means that for 2003, defending 500 champion Stefan Everts - the most successfully MMX rider of all time - and double 250cc champ Mickael Pichon will finally meet, after dominating their respective classes in recent years.

Adding to the excitement is the different choice of machinery, with Everts riding Yamaha's new 450 four-stroke, while Pichon stays with the two-stroke 250 for Suzuki. Therefore, the battle between them will not only settle the argument as to who is the fastest GP rider in the world - but also give some indication of which type of motorcycle is capable of beating the rest.

However, the series is unlikely to be a two-horse affair with the likes of KTM riders Jamie Dobb, Patrick Caps, Pit Beirer and former champion Joel Smets, Kawasaki's Kenneth Gundersen and Andrew McFarlane, Everts' team-mate Marnicq Bervoets, Honda representatives Gordon Crockard, Josh Coppins and Yoshi Atsuta plus Yamaha's Claudio Federici and Johnny Aubert all looking for podium positions and potential race victories.

Meanwhile, the old 500cc classification has been widened to allow bikes with engine capacities up to 650cc, and this year has the participation of KTM's Yves Demaria, Joel Smets - doing both the 450 and 650 classes - and Javier Garcia Vico, while Honda will make their presence felt with Jussi Vehvilainen and James Noble, all of whom carry title aspirations.

The 125cc contest also sees the introduction of four-strokes with 250cc machines now permitted to race. Leading the pre-season contenders will be three-times former champion Alessio Chiodi riding the new Yamaha 250F alongside ex-500cc World Champion Andrea Bartolini.

The Italian duo faces a potent KTM quartet of Steve Ramon (runner-up for the last two years), Marc De Reuver, Erik Eggens and Ben Townley. Meanwhile, Kawasaki retains the services of their 2002 World Champion Mickael Maschio [pictured with Everts] and so for the first time since 1998 the eighth-litre class will have a defending champion.

Other riders sure to play a significant role in the Championship chase will be Stephen Sword, Tyla Rattray, Luigi Seguy and Philippe Dupasquier.

The World Championships will visit ten different countries over the next seven months, with the final GP taking place in Ernee, France, on September 14th.