Image: Russell Colvin.

Active8 Yamaha Racing newcomer Stefan Granquist is confident a podium finish in the upcoming rounds of the KTM Enduro-X Nationals is possible before the season’s out.

Just days after it was announced he’ll partner injured Josh Green and Tom McCormack in the team for 2014, Granquist finished a satisfying fifth overall aboard a YZ250 on debut with the AJ Roberts-managed team in Brisbane last weekend.

Granquist steadily improved with 7-5-4 results at Archerfield in the finals, gaining confidence in a stacked field of pro class competitors.

“The first final wasn’t the best, but I got better as the day went on,” Granquist reflected. “The track was slippery and the power of the YZ250 was hard to keep hooked up on the hard pack surface, but I had a great time and think it will continue to get better from here.

“We have two rounds to go and it is my goal to get up on the podium before the Enduro-X championship is over.”

McCormack was directly behind Granquist in sixth overall, with the series now heading south to Parramatta Racing’s second of three rounds on 15 February.