Zero Seven Motorsports has revealed that New Zealand youngster Dion Picard will step up to the premier MX1 category for the remainder of the Monster Energy MX Nationals.

After starting out the season in the MXD class for Under 19s riders, Picard has been confirmed for an RM-Z450, while Tyson Cherry will take over MXD duties.

Original Zero Seven MX1 contender Ross Beaton was scheduled to return from injury at Hervey Bay, however the team has opted to sit him out until he’s 100 percent.

“Dion is a big kid for his age and we really have felt he is up against it racing the MXD class, where there are 60kg kids racing machines with over 40 horsepower – especially off the starts,” team owner Mark Haughton explained.

“We totally believe in his ability and he has an immense amount of talent. We feel that his riding style and strength will be better suited to the 450cc machine and him riding against the best in the business, is only going to help his learning process.”

Picard is realistic in his expectations against such globally successful competition, yet is determined to make his own mark throughout the remainder of the season.

“I’ve raced some of the top MX1 riders in New Zealand previously, so I know how fast and consistent they are,” the 16-year-old said. “Racing 30-minute moto’s is definitely going to take time to get used to, but so far I feel really good on the RM-Z450, so I’ll do my best!”

Victorian sensation Adam Monea will remain the team’s lone MX2 threat, currently sitting seventh at the halfway point of 2012.