Image: Supplied.

Honda Racing has teased the signing of Dean Ferris, the triple national champion expected to be making a full-time comeback to the sport in 2022.

The 31-year-old announced his short-lived retirement in March, recently hinting at a return by lining up in Mackay’s round of the Queensland championship.

Now, Honda has all but confirmed Ferris will be aboard a factory CRF450R in 2022 as part of a teaser campaign, but has stopped short of confirming he will ride Penrite ProMX full-time next year.

It’s widely understood that he will be back behind the gates in MX1 and a full video release is due next week. Ferris opted not to comment when MotoOnline recently contacted him regarding any possible comeback plans.

When Ferris does formally return on a motocross-only contract, he will be back full-time in ProMX for the first time since 2018 when he won his third-straight MX1 championship with the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team.

Ferris embarked on the US for 2019, only to make his way back home by 2020 with Raceline KTM, but seriously injured his back in August. Following an extended time on the sidelines – much of which was during the covid-19 pandemic – Ferris is certain to be back for 2022.

A signing of Ferris could potentially – and surprisingly – signal the end of both Kirk Gibbs and Brett Metcalfe’s time within the factory Honda organisation next year, which has already committed to be elevating new MX2 champion Kyle Webster to the premier class.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Honda Racing Australia (@honda_racing_aus)