Image: MXN.

Despite losing the coveted premier class red plate at Murray Bridge’s fourth round of the Motul MX Nationals on Sunday, CDR Yamaha’s Dean Ferris remains right there in title contention.

South Australia was the first time Ferris has finished off the podium overall upon return from Europe in 2016, landing fourth overall via 3-4 finishes.

“I had a tough day today and couldn’t really get comfortable on the track,” he reflected. “It looks soft and loamy, but you actually ride on a hard base and I just couldn’t settle on the track and produce my best.

“Things are still close in the championship and there is a three way battle at the top at the moment, which is making things exciting. I think it will come down to the rider that makes the least mistakes and keeps putting good races together at each and every round.”

Three points for taking out his first Super Pole of the season sees Ferris and new title leader Kirk Gibbs separated by just a single point entering the halfway point in Western Australian this weekend.