Image: Jeremy Hammer (Foremost Media).

CDR Yamaha has revealed that Dean Ferris will defend his MX Nationals MX1 title with the team in 2017 after extending their partnership for another year.

The deal will see Ferris contest the 2017 Australian motocross championship with the powerhouse outfit, while he will also take part in the 2017 New Zealand motocross championship as preparation for the MX Nationals with Josh Coppin’s JCR Yamaha squad.

The New South Welshman spoke of his delight in re-signing with the team as he endeavours to claim a second national title aboard the Yamaha YZ450F.

“Returning to CDR was the best thing for me to do,” Ferris explained. “I felt it was really important to continue with the same team and same structure that saw me have a lot of success this year and build on the relationship I have with CDR, JCR and Yamaha Australia.”

“It also sounds strange but I liked the idea of racing and living on the same continent for two years in a row. Racing around the world is awesome but Australia is home and if I’m going to race here, then I want to race for the best team and that is CDR Yamaha. I’m looking forward to again working with Craig and Josh and getting to work to defend my number one plate in the MX Nationals.”

Team manager Craig Dack explained that Ferris’ attitude and maturity outweighed his results on the track, and he believes that is the reason why the team has experienced significant success so far this season.

“Results aside, what really impressed me with Dean this year was how he matured as the season went on. He took on advice from the team, changed the way he approached his racing and to his credit, then achieved the results we all knew he was capable of,” said Dack.

“The first year working with a new rider is always the most difficult as each party works out how things operate and now entering our second year with Dean, I feel we are well placed with him as he know what makes him tick and he understands how we work and has complete faith in our team.”

Yamaha stated that Ferris has the option to race the 2017 Australian Supercross Championship, with his success in the 2016 championship potentially being the deciding factor.