Sevlievo is recognised as one of the best motocross facilities in Europe with an open and inviting layout permitting decent viewing for spectators and first-class provisions for the teams and organisers. The dirt itself is hard-pack but can get rough and rutted through the corners, particularly the 180 degree sweepers at the bottom of the hills.
Rockstar Energy Suzuki has finished on the rostrum at four of the last five editions of the Grand Prix of Bulgaria and since the event was re-installed on the calendar in 2006. It was at the '06 event in which works Suzuki motorcycles filled second and third positions.
Geboers Racing Promotions' Principal Sylvain Geboers commented on the eve of the 2011 campaign.
With the same riding personnel in place your aim for 2011 must be a valid title push?
"Our goal remains the same and we strongly believe in our possibilities to win the MX1 World Championship. Last year was our first with Clement and we needed time to learn how he wants to work and the same situation for him regarding us. We took a lot of experience from last season for 2011. Steve will start his sixth year with us and for sure we know how he wants things, and if he stays away from physical problems then he should be up there. The target for us is, of course, winning but this is a technical sport and there are many aspects to make that happen. A small step left or right could affect a result but it is important to be there and to be able to win while also showing the quality and determination of the rider and the team."
Have the last two years been a bit of a wave for the team with the addition and withdrawal of some sponsors?
"The economy has affected a lot of sports and we have felt it too. We had a very exceptional situation in the last couple of years with Teka coming onboard and then also Rockstar Energy in 2010 but things can change and we saw that in a decision from Teka. However we can go on as strong as ever before. We have talked a lot with the partnerships we have and nothing has changed for the team with regards to the economical side compared to 2010 and we have to be thankful for that. Part of the sport is that sponsors can come and they can go. We raced before Teka and we will race after. Rockstar Energy has been very important for us."
After the departure of Ken Roczen what was the message from Suzuki Japan about the goals for Grand Prix motocross?
"That [Roczen leaving] was something that no-one could have really foreseen. Japanese manufacturers work within the boundaries they have and usually do not take a step into a risky zone. Perhaps our problem was that the announcement of Suzuki's continuing involvement to race was late, but this is the way it is and we have worked for 30 years like that. The only difference was that KTM came and made an aggressive move on Suzuki and made sure that Roger [De Coster] was working with them, that Roczen was working with them and the story went on."
