Image: Alex Gobert (Foremost Media).

KSF Ecstar Suzuki’s MX1 contenders Jesse Dobson and Keiron Hall will miss this weekend’s opening round of the Pirelli MX Nationals, meaning Suzuki will be without an official entrant in what would be its Australian premier class debut with the all-new 2018 RM-Z450.

Dobson suffered a training incident over a month ago, releasing a statement this week that he underwent successful surgery to repair damage to his shoulder. He’s expected to return by round three, allowing him an extra month to recover to adequate health.

“So disappointed to say I won’t be lining up at the MX Nationals this weekend in Victoria,” said Dobson. “Unfortunately I had a practice incident five weeks ago with my shoulder dislocating and requiring surgery. I am guttered about this but I will be back.”

As for Hall, who injured his thumb while undertaking a pre-season event that resulted in surgery, is only expected to miss this weekend’s opener, with an anticipated return at Appin’s second round on 29 April

Husqvarna-mounted privateer Kaleb Barham is also on the injury list after a broken collarbone sustained last week required him to have surgery, although he’s hopeful to be back behind the gates for the second stop in New South Wales.