GasGas Racing Team’s Hayden Mellross has admitted that a lack of seat-time in the build-up to 2022 Penrite ProMX limited his national debut with the squad, unable to reach his top five target at Wonthaggi.

Mellross was one of many riders who switched teams for 2022, effectively trading places with Aaron Tanti to switch from CDR Yamaha Monster Energy.

The Geelong-based rider dealt with a broken sternum throughout the pre-season in an attempt to arrive at the opener as strong as possible, but time off the bike while managing the injury ultimately proved costly especially as he is still adapting to the MC 450F.

“I had a goal of finishing within the top-five today, but I suffered from bike fitness and arm-pump from the lack of seat-time over the past month,” Mellross explained. “I didn’t want to get my ambitions mixed up with my capabilities, but it’s still hard to watch people you know you can beat pull away from you.”

With little to lose entering moto two, Mellross made some significant changes to the bike which paid off and allowed him to fight further up the front.

“I didn’t meet my own expectations, although we did make a lot of progress with suspension and bike settings throughout the round, Mellross added. “We’ve taken a lot of positives from the day in that respect, which will set us up well for Mackay.”

A 10-7 scorecard sees Mellross leave Wonthaggi seventh in the championship standings. With a week and half until round two, the number 45 will have the opportunity to build back some bike fitness before Mackay on 10 April.