Dean Ferris steps up to MX1 in 2014 with Yamaha
Ferris had a successful first Grand Prix term with Yamaha, scoring four podium finishes – the first at the championship opener in Qatar – and sealing victory in damp conditions at Bastogne last month. He lifted silverware in Portugal and Finland, raced to two podium positions and was just one of three GP winners in 2013. The 23 year old ended the campaign with three chequered flags from the last six motos and with 6th in the overall MX2 standings.
"It’s good to be with the team and Yamaha for another year. I feel settled with Steve and the guys and we had a pretty good season in MX2,” commented Ferris on the phone from Yamaha Motor Europe where he was picking up a ’14 YZ450F for the first time. "I actually think I am a better 450 rider and it was always my intention to be racing Grands Prix in MX1 so I’m happy that we got everything sorted. I’ll be out on the bike as soon as possible to see how the new bike feels and then I reckon we’ll be testing already from next week. Can’t wait.”
The 2014 YZ450F adopts the same new compact and lithe chassis employed on the totally reworked YZ250F and is not only a lighter and more responsive motorcycle but benefits from better centralisation and a revised form of the innovative rear slanted engine for better response and yet more torque.
"We are very pleased to continue with Dean next year and expanding our activities into ‘MXGP’ which will be important for our sponsors and partners,” said Dixon, who will also field Max Anstie in the MX2 division. "I’m not concerned about having two riders in two classes, chiefly because the 2014 YZ250F and YZ450 motorcycles now have such a close and beneficial structure, and concept behind them. It will be exciting and even though we have just closed 2013 there is plenty to look forward to already for the winter and 2014.”
Ferris’ duties on the YZ250F are not yet finished. He will wear number 29 for his country at the 67th Motocross of Nations at Teutschenthal in Germany on September 29th as the Aussies chase their second ever podium result in the high profile annual event.
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