Image: MXN.

Newly-crowned Motul MX Nationals MX1 champion Dean Ferris and title-winning team CDR Yamaha have opened negotiations for the 2017 season after clinching this year’s outdoor crown at Coolum late last month.

It’s understood the pair have an agreement in principle to continue on next year, unless 26-year-old Ferris can secure a quality world championship seat in a bit to reignite his international career in MXGP.

Ferris spent four full seasons between 2012-2015 competing overseas, winning rounds at the MX2 World Championship level and starring at the Motocross of Nations in 2013. A downturn in form following a number of untimely injuries resulted him returning home. He’s now eager to return to Europe after national success.

“Going back to Europe is Dean’s goal and that is his target,” CDR Yamaha boss Craig Dack told MotoOnline.com.au. “We will never get in the way of a rider that wants to chase their dreams and set the bar higher, we support that. As we sit right now, we’re giving him some time to investigate a couple of options that are there and if that doesn’t happen, he’s not going to go anywhere – he’s a Yamaha guy.”

Speaking at Coolum’s MX Nationals finals directly after wrapping up the championship, Ferris admitted he has the goal of getting back to Europe, but didn’t stop short of ruling out a title defence in 2017 with CDR Yamaha. Negotiations are ongoing.

“I do, it’s still there,” he said of his fulltime world championship ambitions. “I don’t think Craig’s going to let me go too easily, it’s that negotiation time of the year, so we’ll see what we can work out.”

While Ferris’ next major showing will come at Jimboomba’s opening round of the Australian Supercross Championship on 17 September, he will get the opportunity to make an impact in Europe once again as part of Team Australia in the Maggiora, Italy, Motocross of Nations on 24-25 September.