Image: Damien Ashenhurst.

Husqvarna has officially confirmed it will return to Australian motocross in 2014, under the direction of legendary multiple-time national champion Craig Anderson.

Anderson will field Brock Winston (MX1), Nick Sutherland (MX2), Egan Mastin (MXD) and Conner Tierney (Junior Lites) in the newly-formed Husqvarna Motocross Racing Team.

“Husqvarna is such an iconic brand and to manage the factory-supported team is just a massive opportunity for the team and myself,” Anderson commented. “The bikes look awesome and it’s very exciting to pull together some good guys.

“We’re working very hard and I believe we’ve got the right people in the right areas to do the business. It’s also great to work with Jeff Leisk again. I rode for him back when I was 17 and we’ve got a lot of history and won a few championships together.”

Winston will pilot an FC 450 in his transition to the premier class, looking to take advantage of his opportunity as a fully-fledged factory rider in MX1.

“I know there are a lot of passionate Husky fans out there, and I’m really looking forward to the season,” Winston said. “The bike is going to be good, and it’s so good to have Craig Anderson behind me with so much knowledge that will help on and off the track.

“I know the top class is going to be hard and there will be a lot of competition, but all I need is to put in 100 percent every time I race and then I can accept whatever happens. A lot of guys have had it handed to them their whole career and take it for granted – it’s taken me longer to get where I’m going in the sport but in the long run it makes you appreciate what you’ve got.

“I think having to do the same training as those guys plus get up early to go to work has made me mentally tougher than most.”

Sutherland will be an MX2 title candidate aboard a TC 250 two-stroke, picking up the deal late in the off-season after numerous promising showings in 2013.

“I feel very excited and privileged for the opportunity to be in such a good team and under such a well-known rider like Ando and I can’t wait to get the season started,” Sutherland said.

“I’ve only had my bike for three weeks but I’ve had so much fun on it, I’m excited to ride every day. There’s no one thing for me it’s just the overall package, engine, handling, turning, comfort it’s an all-round good bike that I’d recommend to anyone.

“I’ve had a few seasons disrupted with injury, so without doubt my first goal is to finish every motocross and supercross round, and my target is top five finishes in both championships.”

Mastin is one of the sport’s bright young talents, making the step up to Under 19s in 2014 also aboard a TC 250.

“It’s going to be awesome – I can’t wait to start racing seniors,” Mastin said. “I’ve only had the bike about four weeks on it now but as soon as I hopped on it I felt good and it’s great to be back on the two strokes. I really liked power but it’s not just that, the feel of it is great and I like the turning.

“I’ve always talked to Ando at the track and I’ve done a fair bit of coaching with him recently. He’s been one of the best in Australia and is a good coach – I get along well with him. This year I definitely want to give it my best and hope to be mixing it at the pointy end trying to get this championship.”

The Berry Sweet Strawberries-backed Husqvarna Motocross Racing Team will make its national debut at the Monster Energy MX Nationals opening round on 30 March.