Monster Energy Kawasaki MX2 rider Dylan Ferrandis will return to the 2016 FIM Motocross World Championship at this weekend’s Grand Prix of Latvia on 1 May.

Following a promising runner-up finish at Qatar’s opening round, the French rider was forced out of the championship following a shoulder injury sustainted at Thailand’s second round.

Ferrandis underwent surgery immediately on return to France and after seven weeks of rehab he now feels ready to return to racing after spending minimal time back on his KX250F-SR.

“I rode my bike just a couple of times this week but I feel ready to get back to racing,” said Ferrandis. “I will have no pressure for this comeback and will not take any risks; the goal is to be back at the start gate, race and do my best.

“I know that I will need several races to return to my best form but I’m prepared to be patient. It will also be good to be back with the team; it’s never nice to be at home, far away from my passion and my job.”

Ferrandis will return with added confidence to the Latvian circuit where he was a member of the winning French motocross of nations team in 2014.