Image: Supplied.

Serco Yamaha has imported Canadian Cole Thompson alongside Bailey Malkiewicz for the 2022 Australian Supercross Championship (AUSX).

Thompson, 29, will make his first appearance in Australia on the factory-backed YZ250F at Melbourne’s opener next Friday, effectively filling in for injured team regular Jesse Dobson.

“I have heard so many good things about Australia, so when Serco Yamaha reached out to me I was all in from the moment I got the call,” Thompson commented. “Every rider who has been to Australia in the past always says what a great time they had and how good the riders and teams are here, so the only decision I could make was to get on the plane and come down.

“I also understand the level of racing here is very high and Australia has produced so many riders that have been on the world stage, so I’m looking for to pitting myself against them in their own country and see how I go. I have only just landed and had a chance to meet everyone on the team, but Gavin [Eales] and the guys have been so welcoming.

“The bike feels great so with a couple more weeks to prepare, I think we will be in good shape heading into round one. My aim here is to compete with the best guys in SX2 and hopefully give Serco Yamaha a championship result we can be proud of. I can’t wait to get things started in Melbourne.”

Thompson was 15th in this year’s Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250SX West standings with a best main event finish of ninth position in San Diego. His season was cut short at the midway point with a shoulder injury sustained at Anaheim 3.