Multiple Grand Prix winner Tommy Searle just can’t take a trick since his move to the MXGP class back in 2013. A handful of injuries, team changes and a lot of time watching races from his couch hasn’t been the preparation you need in the toughest motocross series in the world.

Searle, who battled Jeffrey Herlings in the MX2 class, and has a dozen or so GP victories to his name still has some time on his side, and with the support of Steve Dixon his racing career is long from being over. 2018 though is a year he needs to put some results on the table. David Bulmer caught up with the British rider and asked him about his return to racing.

MXlarge: Back at an MXGP track, but can you explain what happened in Valkenswaard?

Searle: I had a crash on the start in Valkenswaard. A freak crash really, a couple of riders got sideways in front of me, and one of the guys bikes cartwheeled into my line, so I got caught up in the crash and ended up breaking my collarbone. It was just a collarbone, so I had it plated that day, which was good, in Belgium.

MXlarge: How was that period?

Searle: It was just recovery really. The collarbone never really gave me much trouble after it was plated, but the muscles around my shoulder, obviously the way I landed the muscles were badly damaged. That is getting stronger and stronger, and up until Germany I had been riding for around four weeks I think. I feel better every week, and obviously I think I will be better, but it takes time. It has taken more time, but now I am back at the races.

MXlarge: How did it feel on Saturday, having ridden a couple of practice sessions?

Searle: It is difficult. The tracks are so different from what you practice on. I hadn’t ridden the race bike on a proper GP track. I just need to get used to it, settle in and be comfortable. I don’t feel comfortable and that is normal for my first race back. The track is technical, and I was like two and a half seconds off the pace on Saturday. Everyone is going fast, and you can’t afford to have the time off, but it is what is it really.

MXlarge: What do you hope to get to, where is your goal?

Searle: The aim going into Argentina was to get some top tens and I think I went 9-11 at that first round. Also, before I didn’t race much last year, because of my knee and I think I have only done like three races in 18 months. I just need to rebuild, and every set back takes more time. It just takes more time, and I want to be racing and do well and enjoy being back. You work so hard back home, and I need to enjoy the racing and not be pissed off because I am not where I want to be. The goal is to get through the next races and battle inside the top ten, but that isn’t easy, a lot of good guys in the top ten, and I know I am a good rider.

MXlarge: Next round is Matterley. Do you think that is helpful for our comeback, or too much pressure too soon?

Searle: I think it is helpful, its home, and I like the track. I always like racing at home, and its helpful. I would rather do that than fly to some track I don’t know. There isn’t much pressure, because it isn’t like I am racing for a win. I just want to do my best and it is nice to be in front of the British fans. Hopefully I can put on a good race and give them something to cheer about. I have been out so long, there can’t be pressure. If you put any rider who has been out for 18 months, and jump on the podium, that isn’t possible these days. Steve has been around a long time and he knows what is takes and the team has been great.