Image: Supplied.

GasGas Racing Team signing Hayden Mellross has been forced to manage a broken sternum in preparation for the season ahead, but remains confident he will be ready for gate-drop at Wonthaggi.

Mellross, 26, sustained the injury earlier in the year in the MX Invitational at Nowra, been back riding in recent weeks with the intent of performing strongly when the Penrite ProMX Championship commences on Sunday.

“I’m really looking forward to the season to start and getting things underway with the GasGas Racing Team,” Mellross explained. “I broke my sternum in the MX Invitational at Nowra, so a portion of the pre-season has been about managing that and trying to maintain my fitness, but I have been back on the bike in recent weeks and am excited for the opener.

“I’ve been doing everything in my power to be ready for Wonthaggi, because as a racer and regardless of injuries, we want to do our best and achieve the results we know we’re capable of. I’m definitely heading there intending to get some solid results and give it my all out on the track!”

2022 provides a fresh opportunity for Mellross onboard the MC 450F, previously CDR Yamaha Monster Energy-equipped where he was fifth in the shortened 2021 MX1 championship, believing the timing of covid didn’t allow him to show his true potential in the two years he was with squad.

Mellross is joined in the GasGas Racing Team by graduating MX3 champion Blake Fox, who will represent the factory outfit in MX2 throughout the eight-round championship.