Image: Simon Makker.

Husqvarna Motocross Racing Team MX1 rookie Brock Winston is eyeing a top 10 finish when the Monster Energy MX Nationals continue this weekend at Appin as he develops the factory-supported FC 450.

The current MX2 number three is Husqvarna’s lone MX1 pilot within the Craig Anderson-run factory team for 2014, finishing 11th at Broadford’s season-opening round on debut in the premier class.

A ninth place finish in the final moto at Broadford was a positive step for the Queenslander and he’s now driving toward a top 10 position in the standings before targeting further improvement from there.

“The top 10 is the next step for me, for sure,” Winston commented. “But then I don’t want to be 10th either! Two years ago in MX2 I started off running 10th and I’m not enjoying being back there again.

“I practice and ride with the top MX1 guys all the time and I know I can ride with them; I just need to sort a few things out and I’ll be there. At Appin, the lap times always seem to be close, so it will be important to qualify well.”

Anderson said its been a challenging start to the season in MX1, but remains confident that Winston and the team can make quick progress in the coming rounds.

“Everything is looking okay for us,” he said. “Brock stayed back with us after Broadford and we did some more testing to make him a bit more comfortable. He is tricky because he likes it soft but he also likes it to hold up, but we’re getting there.”

The team will also field Egan Mastin coming off his runner-up in MXD at Broadford, as well as Nick Sutherland, who finished 21st on debut with the team at Broadford.

Western Australian rising star Connor Tierney will make his debut with the official Husqvarna team as the Yamaha Rookies series commences.