MD just received the following press release from Suzuki regarding the 2003 Supercross/Motocross factory team. Although Sebastien Tortelli’s presence on the 2003 Suzuki team was well-known, Suzuki announced that former factory Kawasaki rider Stephane Rondaca will also join Tortelli and Travis Pastrana next year.
The quote below by Roger DeCoster might indicate all three riders are healthy, but Travis Pastrana is still in the midst of recovering from a serious knee injury suffered at the Gravity Games. His status for the early rounds of the 2003 AMA Supercross series must be highly doubtful.
American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) today announced the 2003 lineup for Team SoBe Suzuki, which brings together last year’s winning riders with a host of promising new team members.
In the 250 class, former AMA 125 Supercross and 125 AMA/Chevy Trucks National Outdoor Motocross Champion Travis Pastrana returns for another year with SoBe Suzuki. Pastrana will be joined by former 125 and 250 World Champion Sebastien Tortelli and former AMA 125 Supercross Champion Stephane Roncada.
According to SoBe Suzuki Team Manager Roger DeCoster, Roncada will participate in the first five 250 Supercross events. He may move to the 125 class, however, if DeCoster feels that Roncada can turn in a stronger performance there.
“I am looking forward to the 2003 season,” said DeCoster. “Last year we had a great bike in the Suzuki RM250 but were limited on riders because of injuries. I am glad to have a strong and healthy 250 team that wants to win championships.”
The 125 lineup comprises returning riders Danny Smith, Branden Jesseman and Sean Hamblin. Jesseman shined in the 2002 National Outdoors, finishing second overall and beating out Chad Reed. Hamblin too was a contender in the Outdoors after joining SoBe Suzuki midseason. He was a regular top-10 finisher and carded a podium spot by season’s end. Complementing this winning trio is new Suzuki rider and French phenom Matthieu Lalloz.
“The 125 team shows great promise,” added DeCoster. “Branden, Danny and Sean all had successful seasons last year. Matthieu is new to racing in the U.S. but he is very talented and I expect great things from him. And we have a capable racing machine in the Suzuki RM125.”
The 2003 Team SoBe Suzuki race season will commence on January 4, 2003, at Edison Field in Anaheim, Calif., with the first round of the AMA Supercross Series.
