Image: Simon Cudby.

German rookie Ken Roczen refuses to get overly excited with his championship leader status in Monster Energy Supercross, aware that consistency is key in the 17-round series.

The 19-year-old regained the red number plates at Anaheim 2 last weekend with a single-point advantage over training partner Ryan Villopoto, setting up an intriguing battle from weekend to weekend.

Roczen won the Anaheim 1 opener and then was sixth in Phoenix after tangling with Justin Barcia. Third at A2 while Villopoto faltered was enough to reclaim the series lead just three races into the season.

“It’s great – I get to put the red [plates] back on!” Roczen said. “It’s a marathon though, it doesn’t mean anything. It’s great to have it, but it’s all about having it at the end of the year.”

Roczen impressed in the early laps with a pass on Villopoto, but was unable to make inroads on James Stewart before eventually falling into the clutches of determined Aussie race winner Chad Reed. Still, he was satisfied with a second podium in three rounds.

“I had a decent start and was having a good battle up front,” he reflected. “I think it was pretty exciting racing. I’m not too happy about my riding, I think it could have been a little bit better, but to be in the mix and on the podium again is big. I don’t think I can complain.

“I just have to do the best for myself and the team. There wasn’t any dirty riding and I’m really happy with all of it.”

Click here for a complete interview with Roczen over on Racer X Online.