Who the hell is Dean Ferris?
On a stockier than stock Looking CRF450R, number 111 simply participated among the world's top in the first MX Pro Series series in Kester. Spectators frantically searched their program books, but there was no trace of Dean Ferris. The 19-year-old Australian took advantage of the break in his home championship to breathe European air. Flanders' most beautiful was his preparation for the German GP where Ferris will compete for Honda Martin alongside Jimmy Albertson. It was a successful dress rehearsal because Dean came 11th in the final standings and above all: he showed that he a piece can drive a motorcycle. Motocrossmag looked up Ferris.
What did you think of Kester?
Dean Ferris: “It was really great, a fantastic circuit. Very difficult to compare with what I am used to at home. In the morning it was still overgrown with grass, but the surface was very loamy and it became quite heavy during the day. I didn't know what to expect beforehand, because I only knew for sure on Friday that I would participate in Kester! Qualifying in the morning wasn't great because I was only 22nd, but qualifying has never actually been my strongest quality. However, the first series went quite well. The races in Australia are more like sprints and I don't need much time to get going. But mostly I enjoyed myself, there were no championship points at stake or pressure from a team. I also pulled a lot of wheelies, as a little guy on a 450 it's a bit easier for you!”
Also in Teutschenthal the idea is to put yourself in the spotlight?
Dean Ferris: "Certainly! Next year I want to ride the entire World Championship, so this is the ideal test. I can show what I can do and Honda Martin has given me a perfect opportunity to ride factory equipment. The level in Kester was already quite high and compared to a GP there were only a few pilots absent. That's why I hope to be able to finish around the top 10 in Teuschenthal. Still, I know that I will mainly have to work on my endurance next year, the last 10 minutes are crucial.”
You are still a noble unknown to most cross fans, but you are also doing well in the Australian MX1 championship at the moment?
Dean Ferris: “I'm currently third behind Jay Marmont and Tye Simmonds (note: Billy Mackenzie is fourth) and I want to be champion this year. It's my first season in MX1, but I'm about where I want to be. My style just suits the 450 very well. But I also perform well in Supercross. It would be cool to do the Australasian Super-X again, but you have to make some serious adjustments when you go to Europe because you travel from summer to winter!”
Have you taken any advice from Australian pilots who have raced GPs?
Dean Ferris: “I've already talked about it with Ben Townley and in Kester Josh Coppins helped me a bit. Moreover, I also follow the GPs, so it is not completely new. It was fun to ride against those men, like Kester, I had a few duels with De Dycker.”
Will we see you again in the Australian MX of Nations team in September?
Dean Ferris: “I'm not sure yet, but I do know that I now have a chance because there is a place available in MX2. I have the experience and I can rely on a very competitive MX2 bike so that plays to my advantage. Both Chad Reed and Brett Metcalfe are safeties at this point. There is no international MX2 pilot so it would be great if I could get that spot! However, the first task is to bring Teutschenthal to a successful conclusion, hopefully I can also use that experience in Australia to win the MX1 title there.”
Success!
Dean Ferris: “Thanks, mate!”
Photos credit: CDS
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