Image: Simon Cudby.

American-based Australian export Chad Reed will make his first grand prix appearance since 2001 when the gates drop on this weekend’s British round of the 2016 MXGP World Championship.

Reed, 34, will contest both the Matterley Basin and Mantova, Italy, rounds of MXGP with factory Yamaha support. It’s his first GP since finishing runner-up in the 250cc class as a rookie 15 years ago.

“I’m excited to come back and race in Europe,” Reed commented. “Over the years I’ve been here for Motocross of Nations, so I know what to expect, and of course I watch the MXGP rounds every week to see who’s winning.

“But these guys are riding at full gas in the middle of their season and my Supercross season just ended in May, so I think we’re going to have a couple of great races together in the UK and Italy.

“A lot has changed in 15 years. What used to be just three classes and a single-moto format is now two days and five classes. It’s going to be nice to come back and see old faces and old friends, but the pace is going to be high and from a racing point of view I’m a competitive guy and I want to do well.”

Reed has been in Europe for a number of weeks preparing for his grand prix wildcards, attending the Barcelona round of MotoGP and training on selected Euro circuits in the lead-up to Britain over the weekend.