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Yamaha Press Release:
The all-new four-stroke Yamaha YZ450F introduced for the 2003 motocross season will bring a significant change in Yamaha's factory race activities with a shift from 500 Grand Prix to the current 250 GP class. The 250 class next year will receive a new name, that is yet to be announced, which will signify a change in the FIM technical regulations allowing four-stroke machines up to 450cc to compete against the current 250cc two-strokes.
Back in 1997 when Yamaha introduced the groundbreaking four-stroke prototype YZM400F, the 500 class became the main category for the factory as part of the long-term strategy of developing competitive four-stroke machinery for the future. Since then the offspring of the machine that revolutionized the motocross sport won two rider - and manufacturer world championships and this year there is good hope for the YZ500FM giving Yamaha a third rider and manufacturer title.
The shift of focus for next year means that the current Yamaha L&M Motocross Team led by Michele Rinaldi will abandon the 500 class to return to the 250 category with their current star riders Stefan Everts and Marnicq Bervoets. Both riders renewed their contracts to stay with Yamaha's number one squad for 2003.
The move is exactly what Michele Rinaldi has been hoping for; "For many reasons I am delighted with our 2003 program. From a sportive standpoint it has been my strong desire to go to what will be the most competitive category of all. Retaining our two top riders on the new YZ450F will give us a great potential, surely enough to challenge for the biggest prize in our sport"
Both Stefan and Marnicq need no further introduction as potential winners and I think the bike will give us an advantage over the competition, two- and four strokes a like."
The best motocross rider ever, Stefan Everts, proves to have the spirit that befits a true champion. More than any other rider in the sport he has little to prove, with five world titles and 54 Grand prix wins (as of August 3) to his name, but nevertheless he is raring to challenge the fast 250 stars; "When I tested the production bike for the first time I was really surprised, first time out I was quicker with the 450 then with my present race bike! This gives me the confidence to move to the 250's because it is there where the big challenge lies. No doubt we will have a very competitive package and we do not have to fear any opponent."
The decision of Marnicq Bervoets to join the team in their new adventure is also remarkable. Bervoets has been vice world champion four times and one would think that staying in the 500 class would make him the main contender for the world title. But that is not Marnicq Bervoets; "If nearly all the best riders will be in the present 250 class then what value does a 500 title have in the future? I am glad I can stay with the best team in the paddock with the support of the Yamaha factory. Sure it is not going to be easy, but I have proven in the past to be able to race and beat the very best guys out there. I have good hope that the new machine will give me an extra advantage, so that I can defeat the others enough times to be the champion! "
