Australian Bailey Malkiewicz is remaining optimistic after making a quiet return to international racing at the weekend for his maiden EMX250 outing.

The former junior world champion, who raced in the MX2 World Championship last year with Team Honda 114 Motorsports, scored a last-minute opportunity to fill in for Jeremy Sydow at the Hutten Metaal Yamaha Official EMX250 team.

Malkiewicz was thrown in the deep end for his return to overseas competition at the brutal Oss circuit after only recently rebounding from knee surgery, which saw him take four months off the bike before making a surprise appearance at the Hattah Desert Race earlier this month.

In tough conditions, the teenager pushed through for a 32-24 scorecard for 28th overall, however he’s positive on improvement as he continues to race himself back into shape after a lengthy layoff.

“It was pretty good, we came here wanting to finish two races,” Malkiewicz reflected. “We started off good with some fast laps, and it was better than I thought I was going to do.

“But yeah, I’m happy with the day and just finishing two races. I’m still healthy – there’s plenty of work to be done to get better, but that’s what I’m here for and I’m happy I came away safe. I’m ready for the next one.”

Malkiewicz’s will line up next at the notorious Lommel circuit in Belgium, scheduled for 1 August.