Returning from two years plagued by injury, Everts has so far won seven out of nine MX500 GP races this season and is currently leading the championship by 42 points. His most recent win at home in Namur on August 5th brought him level with Joel Robert's all-time record of 50 MX GP victories, which has stood unchallenged since 1972. At just 28-years-old, with several years of competition ahead of him, Everts's next victory will make him the most successful motocrosser of all time.

Runner-up in the 2000 MX500 World Championship, Marnicq Bervoets has only missed out on a podium finish three times this year and is currently lying third overall. He finished second in Namur having just recuperated from surgery to tackle the arm pump problems he has been suffering all season. With five rounds to go Marnicq is back to full form and just 36 points separate him from second place in the championship battle.

With the 2002 deal now done, both riders will be able to focus their minds solely on the job of racing as they line up for round 10 in Roggenburg, Switzerland this coming weekend.

Yamaha Motocross Team Director, Michele Rinaldi: "Last year we had the chance to sign Stefan, and even though many other people had their doubts, the team and Yamaha knew what he was capable of. After we met with him a number of times we could see his spirit and fitness were stronger than ever, so we did not consider it a risk. Clearly we have been proved right so there is every reason to expect our success to continue into next year."

"This year we have a truly fantastic bike. If we can maintain the performance or even improve it for next year then with the combination of Stefan and Marnicq it's clear we have a wonderful opportunity."