A string of European pre-season events have loosened Romain Febvre ahead of this weekend’s MXGP World Championship opener at Nequen in Argentina.

The former world champion believes he rode tight in the Italian championship, however felt back to his usual self in last weekend’s Lacapelle Marival International Motocross in France after securing victory.

“My feeling with the bike and on the team is really good at the moment,” Febvre explained. “Also my physical condition is good. Right from the beginning of the pre-season races I have felt good although I was riding a little bit tight in Italy but it got better and last weekend it was much better.

“I felt in the race last weekend that I was back, that I could race with the same feeling I have practicing. We have been working hard on the bike, we have made some good progress and we are still moving in the right direction to improve even more.

“For the first round of MXGP in Argentina this weekend, it is nothing special- I don’t want to put any pressure on myself. I just want to ride relaxed and enjoy it as it is my favourite track on the calendar.”

Febvre’s 2018 season ended prematurely when he suffered a heavy fall at the MXGP of Turkey, resulting in a concussion and s broken rib.