Image: Supplied.

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy has officially signed Aaron Tanti alongside Luke Clout for the 2022 season, departing the GasGas Racing Team and effectively replacing Hayden Mellross aboard the factory-backed YZ450F.

Both Tanti and Clout will ride ProMX and the Australian Supercross Championship, marking the former’s return to Yamaha following a single season with GasGas in the single-rider factory program.

“Every year I set a goal to improve my position, not just on the track, but also off it, so I give myself every opportunity at success,” Tanti explained. “Signing with CDR Yamaha Monster Energy for 2022 means I now have the best team around me with the best people and best bike in the YZ450F, so my goals are then elevated to match that on the track.

“It’s always been a long-term goal of mine to ride for the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team, but now that has become a reality, the real work has only just begun. They leave no stone unturned with the bike, so it’s now up to me to ensure I do the same with my training and preparation and I’m all in for 2022.

“I can’t wait to get the year started and develop a relationship with Craig [Dack] and everyone on the team. I already have a friendship with Luke and I’m sure we can work well together to elevate both of us and make 2022 a success for the team.”

Dack added: “For 2022 we have two riders in the prime of their careers in terms of age and experience, two riders who are fit athletes and take their riding and training seriously and two riders that are happy to do what it takes for success.

“We look forward to getting out teeth stuck into the coming season and all going well, 2022 will be a complete calendar and racing restored to normal. The team are excited with the rider line-up as our are partners and sponsors so now its full steam ahead and everyone focussed on a successful 2022 season at the CDR Yamaha Monster Team.”

It’s yet to be confirmed what the future of Mellross holds after finishing fifth in this year’s national MX1 championship. GasGas Racing Team will have to replace Tanti, while it is also expected that KTM Racing Team is moving to fill the position of Regan Duffy, who was due to travel overseas prior to being seriously injured last month.