Highly-rated Suzuki World MXGP rider Kevin Strijbos saw himself finishing outside of the top 10 in both motos at the Qatar season opening MXGP World Championship event.

It was an unexplainable performance for the Belgian rider who rode his all-new 2018-spec RM-Z450WS machine to an 11-12 moto score on debut for 11th overall.

“I just couldn’t push, I didn’t have any energy or anything, I don’t know what was wrong,” said Strijbos. “It was better in the second moto as again I got a good jump off the metal mesh but then they moved past me when we got on the soil and I couldn’t make it up.”

Remaining positive and noting areas he must work on in order to return to his expected position in the premier class rankings, the former MXGP round winner will reset in Indonesia for round two.

“It’s something we have to work on but overall I felt way better than the first moto,” Strijbos explained. “I felt strong, I felt good, but it’s so difficult to pass I think I spent the whole race behind Jeffrey Herlings. He’s a smart rider and knows how to protect his lines but I tried and the team could see I tried.

“The result is not great but we are going to stay positive and keep the positive things in mind for next week and we shall see what happens in Indonesia.”

Visa issues denied Suzuki World MXGP teammate the opportunity to contest the season opening round, leaving Strijbos to fly the flag solo for the Stefan Everts-managed outfit.