Ferris and Bike it Yamaha Cosworth part ways on amicable terms
Tuesday 19 November: Dean Ferris and the British Bike it Yamaha Cosworth team will not enter the 2014 FIM Motocross World Championship together after deciding to dissolve their agreement this week.
Steve Dixon, owner and manager of the English based squad that has been
present in Grand Prix racing for over two decades, was moved to comment.
"Having been in Grand Prix for 24 years I have worked with a lot of
riders and we have had a lot of success year-in year-out and to help
people like Carl Nunn, Billy Mackenzie, Andrew McFarlane, Zach Osborne,
Mel Pocock, Arnaud Tonus and Dean Ferris achieve notable Grand Prix
results as well as develop the YZ250F to a high level.”
Steve Dixon Dean Ferris
"Dean, who is now 23 years old, realised after his great starts and
results at the Motocross of Nations that his 250 class career was really
only just starting. Since the Nations Dean and I have talked over his
future and through experience I have learnt it is never good to retain a
rider whose heart is elsewhere, it would only affect team spirit and
potentially all the sponsors and partners. I took a few weeks to think
about it and I feel happy I have made the right decision to let Dean
financially compensate the contract and follow his dream to supercross
and the USA. It may be the only shot he gets so I did not want to stand
in the way.”
"We are a strong and well established team that does not rely on one
rider to get us through the season, we have a great record of picking
riders and releasing their potential. Right now we have exciting times
ahead with the development of the fantastic new 2014 YZ250F and getting
Max Anstie to be a regular podium finisher. We also have a promising MX2
programme with two younger riders. The 2014 YZ450F Yamaha has been
working really well through our testing so I am still tempted to enter
the MXGP class!”
"It was hard at first for Dean to approach me as he did not want to let
us or Yamaha down, he was grateful for such a good opportunity in 2013
to show what he was finally capable of. Lastly it is good that all of
this has been carried out amicably and professionally and that both us
and Dean both go into 2014 happy with our decision.”