Motul Pirelli Suzuki will feature Todd Waters as the team's MX1 newcomer. Image: Alex Gobert.

Motul Pirelli Suzuki has officially confirmed that its 2012 MX Nationals team will consist of an expanded three-man line-up with Todd Waters, Cody Cooper and Scott Columb.

The team will see Waters and Cooper vie for the Pro Open championship aboard the fuel injected RM-Z450, while New Zealand Suzuki regular Columb will campaign his first outdoor season in Australia on the fuel injected RM-Z250.

Waters, 21, joins Motul Pirelli Suzuki for both the MX Nationals and Australian Supercross Championship later in the year.

“I’ve been riding the Suzuki RM-Z450 ever since Christmas and I’m loving the bike,” Waters said. “We have a really good base setting already and testing has been positive.

“I’m really happy and it’s all on track. The bike has been really easy to ride so far, so I can’t wait to race.”

Last year’s New Zealand MX1 Motocross Champion Cooper returns to Motul Pirelli Suzuki as a clear championship contender, focused on the Pro Open title with Suzuki for the third consecutive season.

After injuries hampered his year in 2011, the 28-year-old Kiwi has his sights firmly set on the series.

“I’m very determined for this year and look forward to having Todd on the team alongside me on the 450,” Cooper commented.

“Things have been getting better and better each time on the bike, so it’s been good to get the racing under my belt in NZ to see where I’m at before the Australian series starts.”

Columb joins the team late in the pre-season, fresh from finishing second in the New Zealand MX2 series.

He will stand in for British rider Steven Clarke, who was originally scheduled to join the team for a full season, but has been sidelined while recovering from injuries suffered in 2011.

The opening round of the MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championship, will take place at Conondale in Queensland this weekend on 1 April before spanning 10 rounds throughout the country.