Stefan Everts and Suzuki rumours intensify
By TMX Archives on 23rd Jul 15
One of the never-ending rumours circling the paddock in the last two rounds of MXGP was over the 10-time world champion Stefan Everts preparing a bid to purchase control of the factory Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MXGP team.
Geboers Racing Promotion owner Sylvain Geboers, who has celebrated his 70th birthday, has been looking to hand over the reigns of the Lommel-based operation for several years and speculation of Everts taking control has increased significantly in the past two months.
Everts worked with Geboers to win his first world title (125cc) in 1991 and is apparently keen to head up his own division after ending his riding career with Yamaha and seeing his managerial role with KTM diminished in the last 10 months. GRP owns two impressive workshop facilities a few kilometres from the Grand Prix circuit where the MX2 team (with Suzuki International Europe involvement) is also housed.
Everts' takeover, that allegedly is backed by other investors, could throw questions over the future for Sport Manager Joel Smets and the role of Eric Geboers but more crucially how Suzuki's immediate MXGP roster will look for 2016.
Jeremy Van Horebeek has been linked with the RM-Z450 that Clement Desalle could be leaving vacant in a much-touted move to Kawasaki but the Belgian is apparently close to renewing his association with Yamaha for a third season. Current rider Kevin Strijbos has taken three podium finishes on his return since injury and has signalled his intent to stay for a third term but had forged a positive working relationship with Smets that he wants to maintain.
If Suzuki, who have already told Latvian GP winner Glen Coldenhoff that his services are not required, do not move quickly then they could be left without a rider to challenge for the MXGP title.
The brand has been vying for the top spot since they won the 2001 and 2002 250cc World Championship with Mickael Pichon and the 2007 MX1 (MXGP) crown with Steve Ramon. The brand has Jeremy Seewer contracted for another season in MX2.
