Kevin Strijbos extra year in MXGP with new team!
Kevin Strijbos (32) still has the speed to compete in the top 5 of the MXGP. That is also where 'the Kid' feels he belongs and he proved that this weekend in Jacksonville. Strijbos dropped out in the first heat with a technical problem, but quickly competed in the top 5 in the second heat. The six-time GP winner thus opened the eyes of those who had already written it off. And there's more good news for Kevin...
An elbow injury, blocked back and difficult starts hang like a smokescreen over the Belgian veteran's season. However, if you look a little further, you will notice that Kevin Strijbos is still a permanent fixture in the top 10 of the MXGP. His fastest laps in the race and timed training give a different picture of his level.
In the USGP, Strijbos, who had injured his ankle in Sweden, was finally able to achieve a good result.“In the second moto I had a good start from the inside. I was third after passing Jeffrey Herlings but I didn't fight back too much after he passed me again because I knew how tough the conditions were. The pace was very high in the beginning and I am no longer used to being at the front. When I was behind Gautier Paulin I decided not to push too hard. That was also a pace that I could maintain well. I wanted to avoid mistakes and just finish. Fifth place is my best result of the season. This also showed me what I can do when I get off to a good start. I'm also happy for the team and my mechanic that I was able to give something back to reward them for their hard work. In terms of driving it was also good, I didn't do anything stupid and it is of course good for my confidence to know that I still have the speed!” It became clear earlier that there is no longer a place for Strijbos at Suzuki World MXGP. Kevin spent most of his sixteen season in GPs with the Suzuki factory team.
Aan Adam Wheeler Kevin from OTOR stated: “I will also ride MXGP next year. I am happy with that. The announcement of my new team wouldn't take long. This season has been really hard but I'm not done with it yet! Everything was actually difficult this year. With the team because we had to develop a new engine, and with my injuries that threw a spanner in the works.” Strijbos reportedly spoke with Kawasaki and Honda for 2018. He is also mentioned in Standing Construct's new MXGP team. “I am very pleased that I have found a new team. It's not so much about where I can make a lot of money. What I want is a good engine, a good structure and professional people around me so that I can complete an extra year in good conditions.”
Photos: Ray Archer, shotbyBavo
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