Image: Simon Cudby.

Ivan Tedesco is excited to return to the Monster Energy Supercross series in 2014, replacing Davi Millsaps at Rockster Energy Racing KTM.

Tedesco, 32, was a surprise inclusion in the factory-supported KTM program during the team’s launch in California earlier this month.

With Millsaps suffering further knee injuries and his return date uncertain, Tedesco has been given the opportunity aboard the 450 SX-F – a bike he’s tested alongside Ryan Dungey recently.

“I was just hanging around Dungey, doing some testing to help out a bit,” Tedesco told PulpMX. “Obviously Millsaps hurt himself and this deal just kind of came up because I’ve tested the bike and somewhat stayed in shape.

“I actually felt really good on the supercross track, so that’s how this deal came about. I like the bike – if it wasn’t a bike that I was crazy about, I wouldn’t be doing it.

“I never did retire. I think people had that misunderstanding because nothing that I wanted to do ever came my way. The rides are few and far between these days.

“It’s been a year off from racing, so all as I’m aiming for is to go racing up to my capabilities and I think I can go pretty good. I’m excited to get back out there.”

It’s unconfirmed whether Tedesco will continue with the team once Millsaps returns during the season.

Tedesco won the 2004 and 2005 West Coast Supercross Lites Championship, as well as the 2005 250 Class championship outdoors.