Frenchman Romain Febvre says his pace is returning after making his Monster Energy Kawasaki Factory Racing debut at Sardinia’s opening round of the 2020 International Italian Motocross Championship, marking the first race since breaking his femur in August last year.

Febvre, who donned his new number three for the first time, rode to 14th in the opening MX1 moto before finishing 11th in the Superfinal, which was ultimately won by reigning world champion Tim Gajser (Team HRC).

“It’s a great feeling to be back racing after such a long break,” said Febvre. “I knew coming here that I am still working on my speed but that’s normal at this stage of the season.

“Physically I was okay though I suffered some arm-pump in the first race and then in the second one it was carnage at the first corner – I made a small mistake during the race but my speed was coming back all day.

“I know what I have to work on and since the beginning of this month I can train every day on the bike so we’ll stay here in Sardinia for a few days before heading to our final warm-up race.”

Febvre will be on-track again at the Lacapelle Marival in France next month.