Source: Kawasaki Australia.

Kawasaki Australia has officially confirmed that Jake Moss will partner Adam Monea in the 2014 Australian motocross and supercross season.

The confirmation comes following Jay Marmont’s departure from the team after two seasons, with Moss recently training aboard the team’s KX450F on a variety of circuits in New South Wales and Queensland.

“I rode the KX450F as a senior in the USA in 2009 and gelled with it so well and I’ve always looked for the opportunity to get back on a Kawasaki,” Moss commented. “Finally everything has fallen into place now and I get the chance to ride the bike that I’ve really wanted to ride for years.

“I actually had an offer to ride for a team in the USA in 2014, but to be honest I’d rather ride a Kawasaki here in Australia. I had one ride of Adam’s KX450F and pretty much gelled with it straight away and that’s pretty unique.

“It normally takes months and months to get something that you like so for me to like it straight away is a massive head start for me and the team. I’m really looking forward to racing with Kawasaki in 2014.”

Monea is expected to produce string results in his second season with Kawasaki’s Queensland-based factory program, excited to return to race after a shoulder injury sidelined him before supercross last season.

“I feel lucky and happy to carry on with Kawasaki in 2014,” Monea said. “We had good times but also some injuries last year but we worked well. I can’t wait to get going and get 2014 underway and make it a good year.

“We found a good setting at the end of the 2013 motocross season that worked really well for the KX450F so we’ll start there and make it even better so we’re in a good place. I think we’re in a good position to do great things.”

Team manager Troy Carroll is extremely optimistic of the team’s chances in 2014, featuring a blend of experience and youth between both Moss and Monea.

“We’re really excited to have these two enthusiastic young riders on board the KX450F in 2014,” the multiple-time national champion said. “Jake had a really good season this year and I think that now with the backing of a factory team he’s in a good position to win a 450 championship.

“Adam showed signs of brilliance last year and I really believe he’s the next big thing in the MX1 class and it’s time for him to start holding red plates throughout 2014.

“It’s time for both of these riders to stand-up and take it to the next level, to begin to reach their full potential and win races. I really feel it’s time for both Jake Moss and Adam Monea to really shine.”

Kawasaki will outline its partners in the coming weeks. Title sponsor Monster Energy’s future with the team remains uncertain, the energy drink giant not mentioned in the team’s official announcement (updated).