Sebastian Tortelli did not defend his title as 250cc world champion, but instead went to the USA to join Factory Honda. Like Greg Albertyn before him, he moved to the USA as world champion. Tortelli shocked the US scene at the season opener in Glen Helen. He won both races and left the US stars trailing in his wake. People thought he would win the championship with ease. But in the second race in Hangtown, he crashed heavily and injured his wrist. This forced him to take a long break and completely ruined his chances of winning the title.

Seventeen years after Kawasaki first competed in the 125cc Motocross World Championship, the Japanese manufacturer achieved its first podium finish with Tortelli.