Wilson Todd has kicked off his 2016 pre-season preparations following an extended off-season due to knee surgery following Coolum’s 2015 MX Nationals season finale.

The 2015 MXD champion, who spent the majority of his recovery time in the gym and on the mountain bike, is feeling comfortable after just two weeks back on the motorcycle.

“It’s been pretty good, I got on the bike about two weeks ago and it didn’t feel like I had been away for a long time,” Todd told MotoOnline.com.au. “I’d go to the gym and mountain bike ride most days and then do nothing for the rest of the day, so all I was thinking about was trying to get back on the bike. I feel good on the bike though, I just need to get back to the speed I should be at and just get the bike fitness back.”

Todd feels confident in his move to Serco Yamaha as he leaves behind a relationship spanning over eight years with his former Yamaha-backed team managed by Scott Bishop.

“I’ve been with Bishop and the GYTR Yamaha crew for around eight years, I even rode a blue 65cc bike with those guys, it’s been that long,” Todd explained. “So it’s a bit different organising things with different people, but the change is good.”

The young Queenslander will commence testing with the Serco squad next week, using these first two weeks back on the bike to prepare for his full-time training and testing schedule leading into his rookie MX2 season.

“I’ll get started testing with the team next week,” he added. “Right now I’ve just got a base setting bike to get my hands back, avoid blisters when we’re testing and gain a bit of bike fitness.

“I want to be top five most weekends if possible and I want to be up on the podium as much as I can, but you never really know until you’re there. I believe I can do it, I just have to wait and see how I’m stacking up against everyone else.”

Todd will be joined by last-minute Serco Yamaha addition Wade Hunter following Luke Clout’s shock exit from the team.