CDR Yamaha’s Dylan Long expects to build strong results on return to the 2017 Motul MX Nationals series at Nowra on 2 July following a three-round hiatus due to ongoing wrist injury woes.

Returning to his factory YZ450F just one week ago, the 22-year-old has confirmed that his health has vastly improved and he only expects further improvements as time goes on.

“It’s awesome to be back on the bike – nobody likes sitting around,” Long told MotoOnline.com.au. “I’ve only been riding for a week now, but I’m feeling heaps better than what I was at the start of the year with the wrist and everything, so it’s only going to get better and better.”

Looking to make the most of his opportunity with the reigning MX1 championship winning squad, the Victorian plans to take a reserved approach to the remaining rounds to avoid any further injury setbacks.

“I’m not going to come out guns blazing and have any more injuries, I still want to build, but at the same time I do expect to go well,” he explained. “I want to make the most of it and I want to be back up front, this injury has just been a pain and really slowing me down. I just want to come out and do as well as I can, build and get stronger. I’ve got the best team behind me, so I’m sure I’ll be doing that.”

After claiming fifth in last year’s MX1 standings with Honda, Long was signed by the all-conquering CDR Yamaha team to join defending champion Dean Ferris for 2017, but has had much of his campaign disrupted by the pre-season wrist injury.