Aussie Josh Sheehan flies high alongside the 828-meter high Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Image: Joerg Mitter, Stefan Aufschnaiter.

The Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour will feature as many as three confirmed Australians when the series gets underway tomorrow, the world’s most prestigious Freestyle Motocross tour kicking off on Jumeirah Beach in front of Dubai’s breathtaking skyline.

Australia’s Josh Sheehan has already performed a dazzling show jump in front of the 828-meter high Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world’s tallest building, to kick off the new season.

Spaniard Dany Torres is the favourite going into the six-stop 2012 world tour, competing against a field of 11 of the world’s best FMX riders who will be chasing $1-million in prize money and appearance fees this season.

Hopwever, Sheehan and Norway’s Andre Villa both believe this will be their year to win the Red Bull X-Fighters championship after showing flashes of brilliance in 2011.

“It’s going to be a real battle for first place with a few riders capable of taking the crown,” said Red Bull X-Fighters sports director Tes Sewell. “Torres is the man to beat.

“This year could prove to have so many surprises with injuries and recoveries – and some young blood in the mix.”

2009/10 champion Nate Adams and Robbie Maddison will also be in the mix once they return from injuries, according to Sewell.

Villa was in the thick of things in the championship hunt in 2011 until a late-season injury sidelined him for the final two races while Sheehan came out of nowhere to upset the favorites and win the season finale in Sydney.

American hero Adams, who finished a close second to Torres last year after winning the championship in 2009 and 2010, is still recovering from a shoulder injury and is not in the lineup for Dubai.

Australian Blake Williams also has his eye on the top prize after several outstanding performances in 2011.

Other top favourites returning to the action this year after being out with injuries are Levi Sherwood of New Zealand and Switzerland’s Mat Rebeaud, the 2008 champion.