Ryan Dungey is convinced his switch to KTM has been positive following his race debut on Saturday night in Las Vegas. Image: Hoppenworld.com.

Ryan Dungey has admitted that what he learned with Red Bull KTM at the weekend’s Monster Energy Cup will prove vital come Anaheim 1’s opening round of the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, series.

Dungey raced to a strong second overall behind new AMA Supercross and Motocross Champion Ryan Villopoto in Las Vegas, now hoping to use it as a lesson in a bid to speed up development of the 450 SX-F for next year.

“I’m happy with my overall result today. Of course, you always want to win, but to come out here after only two weeks on the bike and get on the podium is very exciting,” Dungey reflected.

“We have made great progress with the bike this weekend and we know how we need to move forward with our testing from here. I’m very happy with the team so far and am looking forward to the 2012 season.”

Red Bull KTM team manager Roger DeCoster was satisfied with the result, even if he was initially concerned about Dungey racing the KTM with minimal time on the bike.

“I was not so excited about coming to this race at first since we have only had two weeks on the bike, but I am glad I was convinced to come,” he said. “This race gave us a good indication about what we have done well and where we need to improve.

“We have our work cut out for us during the next few months but I think our goal is feasible. Come Anaheim, I believe we will be in the hunt.”