Image: Alex Gobert (Foremost Media).

Factory Suzuki MX1 Racing Team’s Todd Waters will head to the 2016 New Zealand Motocross Championship as part of his MX Nationals pre-season preparations.

The Australian, who finished ninth in the 2015 MXGP World Championship, will join the MC2 Suzuki Racing Team for the four-round series that kicks-off on 31 January with the New Zealand Motocross Grand Prix at Woodville.

The 25-year-old looks forward to making a return to New Zealand, where he will ride alongside teammates Brad Groombridge and Argentine racer Joaquin Fernandez.

“I love New Zealand, the people and the tracks,” Waters said. “I’m really looking forward to racing there again. It is also good preparation for me racing in the Australian Motocross Championships later in the year.

“The New Zealand riders are super-fast in their own country and Cody Cooper seems to be unbeatable in his own country, so we’ll have to see about that.”

The Queensland-based rider is feeling comfortable aboard his 2016 RM-Z450, familiar with the brand following a strong 2012 campaign with the manufacturer: “I’ve been riding the new Suzuki RM-Z450 since December last year and I’m feeling very comfortable on it. I raced for Suzuki in 2012, so it is exciting to be back on board one.”

The Woodville event will mark Waters’ first race outside of the MXGP championship since 2013.