MXGP veteran Kevin Strijbos has inked a deal with Swedish team JWR Yamaha Racing for the 2019 season. In a press release today, the Yamaha squad announced that they are “ecstatic” with their latest signing.
“It is a huge step forward for JWR Yamaha Racing to tackle 17 rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship in 2019 and I cannot think of a better rider to do that with,” said team manager, Johan Westermark via a press release. “Although Kevin struggled with injuries this season, it was quite clear that he still has the speed to run at the head of the field and contend for positions inside of the top five. We look forward to giving him the tools to do exactly that.”
The team will back Strijbos for all the European rounds of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship and they will also try to fund racing at round five (Hong Kong) and round six (Shanghai). Strijbos will also race the Swedish Championship in the MX1 class.
GYTR will support the team and a new workshop has been set up in Belgium for the 33-year-old. “I’m really happy to join the JWR Yamaha Racing team,” Strijbos said. “It is a young dynamic team and I will try to help them with my experience if needed.
“I’m also looking forward to riding the Yamaha 450F, as I have heard a lot of positive things about the bike. I cannot wait to ride it!
“It seems the circle will close; I started my first MXGP season on a Yamaha 125 in 2001 and it looks like I will also close it on a Yamaha. Of course, I will do my best next year to get the best results possible.”
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