Image: Foremost Media.

There is ‘no added pressure’ on emerging MX1 prospect Zac Watson following the departure of Nathan Crawford, becoming KTM Racing Team’s sole entry in the premier class upon arrival in Canberra this weekend.

Watson earned a factory-backed deal onboard the 450 SX-F for 2026 after finishing fifth in the ProMX standings onboard a Triumph last year, teamed with national number two Crawford in what has been regarded as a building year of sorts.

However, with Crawford and KTM mutually agreeing to part ways just one round into the new year, Watson finds himself as the centre of KTM’s attention in the MX1 division – alongside MX2 teammates Byron Dennis and Dylan Walsh – after posting 10-5 results for eighth overall at the opener.

“Nothing has really changed on my side – I don’t think the team will add any more pressure or expectation on me now being the only MX1 rider,” Watson told MotoOnline. “It’s a bit of a building year for me, just getting used to everything, with the team and the new bike.

“The team has been so supportive of that. I’ve had a few chats with Kyle [Blunden], and he has reiterated that there is no added pressure for me to do anything more. But I think to be KTM’s sole 450 rider is pretty cool – for some it could be scary – but as long as I don’t let that affect me, I will be sweet.”

A crash just moments into the new season on Saturday at round one put the 21-year-old Queenslander on the backfoot, but it was otherwise a positive national debut with KTM Racing Team. His expectations are elevated for Canberra this weekend.

“I had a bit of a get-off in the first practice, which made me a bit sore and stiff for the rest of the weekend at Wonthaggi,” he added. “I hurt my ribs a bit, and towards the end of the motos, they ended up getting pretty sore, and I was struggling with deep breaths.

“But P5 in the second moto was good, although this year I want to be on the podium, and a top-five guy at the least. I really enjoy Canberra – I’m yet to race it in perfect conditions – but I’m looking forward to going there and continuing to build with the team.”