Aussie Todd Waters is heading to the world championship full time in 2014. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Australia’s newest FIM Motocross World Championship regular Todd Waters will depart for Europe on Monday directly following this weekend’s final round of the Monster Energy MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championship.

The Red Bull ICEONE Husqvarna Factory Racing team announced last night that Waters will join Tyla Rattray in the 2014 MX1 series as part of the all-new factory effort (click here for details).

Waters, 22, admits it was a surprise of sorts to land a full factory deal to open his full time international career, and is excited for the challenge that lies ahead. Australian Motorex KTM team manager Rob Twyerould was instrumental in clinching the deal.

“The deal was done a little while ago, so it’s nice to have it officially announced now,” Waters told MotoOnline.com.au today. “When the deal came about, Robby T lined it up, and it shocked me. I’ve been working so hard to get to Europe, so for something this big – a factory ride – to happen it’s amazing.

“I’m looking forward to the experience, I’m going to take it with both hands and try run with it. I head over on Monday, get to know the team and everything, then race des Nations, come back to get the plate out of my collarbone before I have four weeks off. Then I’ll head straight over for testing and training. It’s exciting.”

Waters made the heavily-publicised move from Motul Pirelli Suzuki to Motorex KTM after finishing runner-up in the 2012 MX Nationals, in a bid to advance his prospects of securing a seat overseas. Now, just six months after his KTM signing was announced, Waters is transitioning to the world stage as planned.

“I had a good year with Suzuki last year and the team was great,” Waters added. “I couldn’t thank those guys enough, but a big part of the decision why I moved to KTM was to get myself in a better position to get to Europe and it’s happened – they’ve come through with their promises. It’s all been worthwhile, so it’s a good step forward I feel.”

Season 2013 has been a mixed one for the Cairns charger, winning the opening three rounds of the MX Nationals in dominant fashion before a string of injuries took their toll in the mid-stages. Entering Coolum’s finale this weekend, Waters faces a 25-point deficit to arch-rival Matt Moss.

“We’ve had a great year and we showed really good form, what the bike’s capable of and that the team works really well together,” Waters reflected. “Unfortunately we had a few injuries, but before they happened everything was going to plan.

“I hope to finish off the year strong this weekend and that’s all I can do. I’ve been doing everything I can during the week, so I look forward to Sunday’s racing. I’m just really thankful to the whole team for their hard work and support.”

Waters will represent Team Australia for the second consecutive year at next month’s Motocross of Nations in Germany alongside established internationals Dean Ferris and Brett Metcalfe.

His signing is expected to be the first of three major Australian rider announcements in the world championship, as MX2 World Championship round winner Ferris and newly-crowned Australian MX2 champion Luke Styke are also working on European-based contracts for 2014.

With Waters’ departure, Motorex KTM has confirmed that Daniel McCoy will take over the vacant seat for Supercross alongside Kirk Gibbs (click here for details).