Defending four-time Monster Energy MX Nationals Champion Jay Marmont is ready to fend off any challenge presented by the international contingent during the 2012 season.

Speaking at the official series launch in Melbourne yesterday, Marmont told the press that he’s feeling comfortable and confident aboard the Monster Energy Kawasaki, now looking to take on some of the world’s best come next month’s season opener.

With the likes of former world champion Ben Townley, current dual British champion Brad Anderson, ex-GP stars Josh Coppins and Billy Mackenzie, Marmont is more than aware that this year will be the toughest yet if he’s to keep the number one on home turf.

“I’ve been able to get a feel for the surroundings around me during the pre-season and have had a good amount of seat time on the Monster Energy Kawasaki KX450F,” 28-year-old Wollongong resident Marmont said.

“Every championship is tough in its own right and I’ve had to work for every one of them since 2008. It’s all been a building platform for this and I feel like this year will be the hardest yet.

“The depth of the field is easy to see and we all respect one another as rivals, but at the end of the day I’m prepared and I look forward to the new challenges with these internationals coming to try and win our Australian championship – bring it on.”

Marmont said it will be a case of both speed and consistency required to win the premier MX1 championship, excited to campaign the new formats that have been introduced by Williams Event Management this year.

“We’ve done a fair bit of testing with the formats over the last few years and WEM has come up with a format that works,” he added. “For me I think it’s going to work pretty good, but racing’s racing.

“No matter who the best rider is on the day, it’s still racing and there’s so much that can happen. I think the formats will suit any rider that’s in form – not always the quickest rider wins.

“Having the two 15-minute races you’re going to need that sprint agility, and then in the 30-minute moto at the end of the day you’re going to need fitness. No matter what way you look at it, I don’t think the formats will suit any one rider.

“You just have to be smart and I think it will be good.”

The series is scheduled to commence on 1 April at Conondale in Queensland, anticipated to be the greatest in the sport’s history.