Motul Pirelli Suzuki’s Matt Moss rode top a commendable top five place in his MX1 debut on the RM-Z450. Image: Makkreative.

Matt Moss’ return to Motul Pirelli Suzuki was marked with a solid top five finish in his debut MX1 race aboard the RM-Z450 at Raymond Terrace.

The multiple national MX2 champion met his expectations for the opening Monster Energy MX Nationals event and even scored the inaugural Suzuki Holeshot Award in the opening moto.

Moss was pleased with the result given a limited preparation schedule on the bike.

“It was really good actually, my expectation was the top five, just because my preparation hasn’t been the greatest and I haven’t had much time on the bike,” Moss explained.

“Still, my starts were great and the bike was good, so we’ll be able to build momentum from here and I’m looking forward to the upcoming rounds.”

Moss was fourth in the first 30-minute moto and sixth in the second, collecting a solid 53 points, 22 shy of the dominant Todd Waters who took overall honours.

Moss’ teammate Cody Cooper showed strong form to finish the day in second place.

Round two of the 10-round championship resumes at Murray Bridge on 28 April.