Jay Marmont looks forward to the three-moto formats in MX Nationals 2012. Image: Alex Gobert.

Reigning Australian Motocross Champion Jay Marmont has given his stamp of approval to the brand new three-moto formats introduced for the MX Nationals in 2012.

The new Monster Energy Kawasaki signing looks forward to racing WEM’s new concept of hosting two back-to-back motos first, before a more traditional longer moto of around 30 minutes will complete each round.

“I think that no matter what formats we’re doing, it’s going to be tough,” Marmont admitted. “We’ve got world class guys like Ben Townley, Brad Anderson, Josh Coppins, Billy Mackenzie and Tye Simmonds is back. There are also the young guns like Todd Waters and Lawson Bopping.

“When we were doing back-to-back 10-lap races during the middle of last year it seemed to work and it was fairly tough. 10 laps is almost 20 minutes, so you’re pretty much doing 40-minute motos.

“A lot of people are still after that hardcore 30-minute race though, so I think having that at the end of the day will definitely be a good thing too. Having a three-race format is tricky because you can’t let points get away.

“Last year proved that if you had a bad round you could definitely catch up because there were so many points on offer each weekend. Without the fourth race it will be tough, so you have to make sure you don’t have a bad round.”

While many have marked the traditional moto as a favourite for the internationals, Marmont is certain that he can make the most of it, plus also continue his form in the shorter sprint races.

“I’m the kind of guy that usually gets better as the day goes on, so having the longer moto at the end of the day will probably suit me,” he added. “I think that the first races at the start of the day will also suit me, just with the shorter formats that we do in Australia.

“At the end of the day though it’s going to be whoever is the best rider on the day at any given track. The formats can suit any of us, so I think it’ll just be whoever can be the strongest because there’s going to be some tough racing this year.”

The 2012 MX Nationals series will commence on 1 April at Conondale in Queensland. Click here to see the previous news story announcing this year’s formats.