Team Suzuki World MXGP threw the covers off a special 1992 retro design for their home Grand Prix at Lommel in Belgium and Kevin Strijbos took the lively-livered RM-Z450 to a first overall victory of the season yesterday for what was the 14th appointment of 18 on the 2016 calendar.
Strijbos emotionally grasped his first win since 2007 with a 3-3 scorecard and also the maiden success for Stefan Everts’ crew since the change of management late last year. The deep, devouring and rough sand was surrounded by 25,000 fans and covered by cloudy skies but warm temperatures.
Suzuki also toasted a memorable weekend with Jeremy Seewer finishing second in MX2 and Bas Vaessen winning both motos and the ninth round of the EMX250 Championship.
Strijbos made a good show on Saturday by finding an effective rhythm that drew him past a number of GP peers and up to third position in the Qualification Heat. It was the second top-three qualifying classification for the Belgian in a week and in his second outing since recovering from an injured left wrist.
The 30-year-old was comfortable and content on the Factory RM-Z450 through some of the roughest and hardest (technical and physical) terrain on the schedule so far. The ‘#22’ was also aware that the conditions would push the limits of his race preparation and stamina, an area which he was still trying to boost in the wake of the injury.
In the first dash, Strijbos gated brightly and was close to the top five. While Max Nagl and Shaun Simpson broke free, Strijbos took part in an entertaining tussle with Romain Febvre, Clement Desalle and Tony Cairoli. Series leader Tim Gajser was also part of the pack until crashing down to 15th. Strijbos had a strong pace in the closing laps and timed his push well to grab third and consolidate the position until the chequered flag for his first top-three result of the season.
The second race again saw Strijbos proactive: The former world championship runner-up made another beneficial start and he lapped comfortably behind Tony Cairoli and ahead of Jeremy Van Horebeek to manage another third place and earn the top-step of the final podium by just one point. It was his first triumph since 2007, at Lierop in the Netherlands. Strijbos now holds 10th in the championship standings
