Todd Waters and Kirk Gibbs front the revamped KTM factory effort in the MX1 class. Image: iKapture.

The Motorex KTM Racing Team is set to pack a punch in the MX Nationals MX1 class for 2013, combining a strong rider line-up with esteemed technical direction as it sets its sights on the coveted championship title.

KTM’s factory effort is back in-house for the first time in three years, and if pre-season preparation is any indication, its pair of KTM 450 SX-F machines, campaigned by 2012 runner-up Todd Waters and class rookie Kirk Gibbs, will be amongst field leaders.

Rob Twyerould returns as team manager for 2013, bringing years of invaluable experience with the brand back to the table. Twyerould was hopeful the hard work done prior to the season start would pay off for the revamped team.

“This one is going to be a very exciting series, we’ve done everything right with our preparation and given the mechanics, riders and the bikes the possible best shakedown,” said Twyerould. “We’re all quite excited and we’re ready to race.

“Todd is riding as good as ever seen him ride, ever. He rode the race bike for the first time yesterday and was visibly impressive.

“For Kirk it will be a little tough. He was in some discomfort yesterday from his shoulder injury last weekend but he pumped out a couple of motos which was good to see, so this weekend will be about managing pain.

“Kirk’s a good starter so hopefully he can get up front and just keep going. It’s a long race, so hopefully all the pre-season racing he’s done will give him the conditioning to be there.

“This year is the most open it’s been for years, and every team’s got a rider or two that’s a challenger. The exciting thing is that with no Townley or Coppins and only Marmont as a former winner, someone is probably going to step up and establish himself as a champion. It could be a really interesting year.”

Waters is brimming with confidence ahead of the weekend’s season opener and is determined to go one better after a strong 2012 campaign.

“I’m pretty excited. We’ve built a good motor just the way I want it, I like a really torquey engine that will rip your arms off, so I can use it where I want to or ride up a gear,” said Waters.

“Last year I finished second and this year I’m determined to get to that top step. This year I’ve got everything I need to win so it’s just up to me, but it’s a ten-round series so we have to keep our cool and be there every weekend.”

The in-coming Gibbs will have his work cut out for him after injuring his shoulder in a crash while contesting the New Zealand Motocross Championships.

Back on the bike for just a few days, he is hoping to be nearing his best when the gates drop on Sunday.

“I’m fortunate I haven’t got too much pressure on me, so I can concentrate on getting through clean and coming out with the best possible result,” said Gibbs.

“I learned heaps in the New Zealand championships, and with four races under my belt I don’t feel like an MX1 rookie anymore, I feel like I’m meant to race these guys.

“Compared to Lites these guys have got their heads screwed on and they’re not doing crazy things to get to the front on the second lap.”

The 2013 season will commence this Sunday, 14 April, at Raymond Terrace in New South Wales.