Image: Foremost Media.

It was a swift adaption for CDR Yamaha Monster Energy’s Aaron Tanti stepping back to a YZ250F, with his first laps on the quarter-litre complete in preparation for the opening round of the FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) at Principality Stadium, Cardiff.

Tanti last competed on a 250F in 2020 and contested select rounds of Monster Energy Supercross in 250SX West that year. His first ride on the CDR SX2 machine took place last Tuesday near Sydney, with the initial sensations positive as he stepped down from the 450.

“I jumped on it and I was obviously a little bit nervous, going from the 450 where I got pretty used to that after a few weeks riding supercross on the 450 and really got comfortable,” Tanti explained to MotoOnline.

“It was obviously going to be a bit slower being a 250 and was a bit nervous at first about coming up short on jumps and stuff, but it went really well. I hopped on and within five laps I was jumping all rhythm sections that I was jumping on my 450.

“I was super happy with that and was really surprised in myself that I got comfortable that quick, but honestly the bike that they build is really good. I did a few starts, and I was really happy with the power, super confident leaving the two-day test with the team. Feels really good, and now I’ve got a few weeks with it at home in Queensland before I head off to Cardiff.”

Less than three weeks remain until WSX commences this year with the British GP, and the majority of Tanti’s 2022 supercross preparation up to this point has been on a YZ450F which he will ride in the Australian Supercross Championship (AUSX).

2022 AUSX opens alongside round two of WSX at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne on 21-22 October and it is expected AUSX will take place on the Friday night, with WSX Saturday meaning Tanti will have to split his preparation in the build-up to that venue.

“I’m going to try to focus a little bit on riding the 250 now, before Cardiff, but I’ll mix it up here and there,” Tanti added. “Going to go home, meet with my trainer and work what the plan is.

“Obviously going into Melbourne I’ve got to race the 450 on one night and the 250 on another night, so I will involve that in my training program, probably when I’m home from Cardiff and I have a few weeks where I can really start doing those sorts of things.”

Tanti enters the supercross season in fine form after claiming the Penrite ProMX Championship earlier this year in his debut with CDR. He will partner Luke Clout in SX1 for the domestic series and line-up alongside Kyle Chisholm in SX2 for the world championship.