Luke Arbon has joined a scaled down Yamaha Under 19s program for 2011.

Yamaha’s factory Under 19s MX Nationals team have made a few changes during the off season by scaling back to a two rider team to offer a more focused and hands on approach to their riders, confident that the new system will take them to the title in 2011.

Luke Arbon joins incumbent member Shaun Redhead in the Yamaha young gun assault and both riders are ready to let rip at the season opener in Broadford.

“I’m enjoying the change to Yamaha and everything so far has been extremely positive,” states Arbon. “The team has worked closely with me to ensure I have everything I need and the knowledge available is first rate.

“I have had a couple of injuries over the Christmas period, but I’m back to 100 percent and have been able to get a good preparation going into the opening round.”

For Redhead, it’s all about redemption. After a tough 2010 season, Redhead has vowed to restore some pride and respect to his racing and he certainly has put in some hard work in recent months.

“Last year wasn’t good and I know it,” he said. “This year I have made plenty of changes to my life and feel I’m far better prepared to go racing than I was at any time in 2010.

“This championship is 36 races long, so there are a lot of laps to be done and a lot of things can happen, but I’m ready to go and look forward to Broadford.”

Round one of the Rockstar Energy MX Nationals kicks off this weekend at Broadford in Victoria.