Australian rider Jed Beaton suffered a horrible injury this year at the British GP, crashing and picking up a compound fracture to his left tibia and fibula while also breaking his right ankle. Both required surgery and the doctors installed a rod in his left leg and a plate with six screws in my right ankle.

Just days away from riding a bike for the first time since that day at Matterley Basin, the soon to be factory rider (can’t mention which team) is excited for 2019, and the chance to remain fit, and healthy and also continue his improvement in the very tough MX2 class. We caught up with him and talked about his plans for the next six month and also about the MXoN, which he watched.

MXlarge: Jed, how are you doing, are you back to full health?

Beaton: I have one week until I can ride. And I am looking forward to that.

MXlarge: Did you watch the MXoN and what did you think?

Beaton: Yes, I watched it and we (Australia) should have won, that is what I think.

MXlarge: Really?

Beaton: Yes, they had a big enough point lead that they needed just two consistent results. You know what I mean, or at least a podium.

MXlarge: I think that is the first time Australia has ever led a MXoN. I wanted to talk about you and how you’re going, but while we are at it, I mean you will get picked in the future for Australia, maybe even next year, in fact you should have ridden Maggiora in 2016 or not?

Beaton: Yes, I was going to do Maggiora and I broke my collarbone in Belgium. Then I ended up watching and that event was crazy and I was meant to do this year, but injured again, I was pretty devastated about that.

MXlarge: There is a lot of debate after the MXoN about the Europeans and the Americans. A lot of excuses, but how do you see the whole thing about levels.

Beaton: Americans are really fast as supercross and also really good at motocross, but I don’t think they had as much respect as they do now. It was clear the Europeans are faster no matter where they are. The track was wet, but it was wet for everyone and it showed a lot of people the scene in Europe is really fast and maybe they are realizing that.

MXlarge: You want to move to MXGP and don’t really have any plans of moving to America, do you?

Beaton: No, I really like riding motocross and with supercross you got to spend a lot of time to get good at it. I enjoy riding supercross, but racing it is another thing.

MXlarge: What are your plans now for the next six months before the season starts?

Beaton: I will stay in Europe for the winter. I went home for 10 weeks while I was injured and saw everyone and that sort of stuff.

MXlarge: Nobody wants to be injured, but that must have recharged your batteries?

Beaton: Yes in some ways, but I knew I was home for the wrong reasons and I was sitting there watching all the GPs and wishing I was there all the time. At the same time, it was good to see everyone again, but I really wanted to be in Europe and racing.

MXlarge: You had a lot of momentum before your injury and obviously you have signed for a very good team for 2019. Can you mention who that is yet?

Beaton: No, not yet.

MXlarge: Okay, but without mentioning the team, it’s a great team, and it will help your continued improvement.

Beaton: Yes, I am obviously looking forward to next year and still being in the Grand Prix scene. I felt like this year I made good progress and it (accident) happened at the wrong time and its disappointing. I will go into next year, re-set and try and get into good form and build on that. I am really looking forward to next year.

MXlarge: Your confidence last year was growing and there were times you were at the front, running with the very best guys. Prado, that kid is pretty special, but what is your goal?

Beaton: It is hard to say. I have my own personal goals, but the goal now is to be really solid, always in the mix. This year I was sometimes in the mix and then I would get a shit start and not be in the mix and I couldn’t catch up to the lead group. If I got a good start, I could stay with them and some races Jorge was faster than everyone. My goal is to be solid and build on the podiums, that is a goal of mine, to be on the podiums several times throughout the year.

MXlarge: The people you are working with next year, have they given you advice about next year? There are some very experience people in that team, and I can imagine its like building a house and starting at the foundations. And not get ahead of yourself.

Beaton: I know that already and I know the process if you know what I mean. I started slow and build up all the time. I don’t expect to be winning every Grand Prix, and I know winning a Grand Prix is a long process or even winning a moto. I have people around so I don’t get too excited.

MXlarge: Spending the winter in Europe isn’t always something that is fun, and it looks like we will at least get good weather for another few weeks. How do you look at spending winter in Europe, rather than back home in the summer of Australia?

Beaton: I don’t know where I will be based, but I think Belgium or Holland as the tracks are closer. I spent last winter in Europe, and I know what to expect.

MXlarge: And like a lot of GP riders, you will be spending a lot of time at Lommel in the winter?

Beaton: Yes, in winter I think that is one of the few tracks that stays open. I am guessing a lot of riding will be done there.