Five-time World champion Joel Smets will abandon his effort to race the Suzuki RM-Z450 in MX1 competition this year in order to have immediate surgery on his injured right knee. Smets has been struggling with the knee since injuring it prior to the start of the season. In between races, Smets has been hampered with swelling and pain, and, apparently, the situation has become worse in recent weeks.
It appears Smets will ride for Suzuki again next year in MX1, continuing development of the RM-Z450, which will be available as a production bike later this year from Suzuki.
