Q&A: Mickael Pichon and Kevin Strijbos.

On the eve of the 2003 GP season opener in Spain, defending 250cc champion Mickael Pichon [pictured] and new 17 year old team-mate Kevin Strijbos speak about the upcoming season, the new Motocross GP classification and the impending Pichon-Everts battle.
Q: Mickael, you have dominated the 250cc scene for the last two years. How is your motivation for 2003?
Mickael Pichon: My motivation is now building up to a point where it is really good and I am excited to get back racing. The new category and different riders like Everts [most successful Motocross rider of all time] and Smets [multiple former Open class champion] coming into the class creates a different situation and another challenge. I usually get more motivated closer to a race so right now I am eager to travel to Spain for the first GP.
Q: People are already talking about the Pichon-Everts fight for the title. What do you think of your imminent rival?
Mickael Pichon: Stefan [Everts] is a six time World Champion and I really respect what the guy has achieved in the sport and what he has done for it off the track. His physical condition is very good and everybody knows about his style. I watch him race and I'm like a little kid sometimes because I am in awe at the way he makes it look so simple but goes so fast!

We have a good relationship, there is no bad feeling between us and I really like the guy. I think he will be one of the few that will be quick at every GP.

I am not scared to race with him and will treat him like any normal competitor. I do not like to underestimate my rivals and that keeps me sharp. I like to think that anyone is capable of beating me and that means I have to keep a very high level with my training and preparation. If I do not win and have done everything perfectly then I can only be happy because I have lost to a better rider.

Examining someone's weaknesses is a very personal process and people's opinions can differ. I think Stefan might not be as strong as some guys if we are fighting and bashing bars and that style of racing is OK for me.

I feel that it certainly will be tougher for me this season. It will not be so easy to come back from a bad start and win a race. Luckily for everyone I'm sure it will be as interesting as it is competitive.
Q: How is your stomach now after the operation?
Mickael Pichon: It is much better now. I struggled at Hawkstone Park and my training has been delayed as I have got over the surgery. Physically I think I will be at 100% by the third GP in Teutschenthal. I am fine to race now but it is useful that we have some breaks after the first few rounds so that I can get my fitness up to a maximum level.
Q: What do you think about riding with Kevin this season?
Mickael Pichon: I like Kevin a lot and it will be interesting to see what he can do this season. He is very young and will be looking to learn. It was hard for me last year when I was riding alone and doing most of the testing on my own so I am sure he will be a big help.

He trains very well and is very determined; because of his youth and energy I may be able to learn a little bit from him! With a little bit of luck I am sure he is capable of breaking into the top 6 or 7. I like giving advice to the younger riders; it relaxes me and takes my mind off my own riding because I can get quite stressed about things sometimes. I really enjoy watching them do well.
Q: Kevin, what is it like having Mickael as a team-mate?
Kevin Strijbos: Well, to be honest I was a little nervous at first! Mickael helped me out a lot last year by looking at my riding and telling me where I was going slightly wrong with my lines. I was reluctant to initially ask him many things but over time we have worked together riding and testing and now I feel I can approach him anytime for some advice.

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.