Australian Dean Ferris has secured a ride to contest the 2014 MXGP World Championship, remaining with Dixon Yamaha in his switch to the YZ450F.

Ferris, 23, completed the deal on Sunday following the Benelux round of the world championship at Lierop. He will form the MXGP arm of the Steve Dixon-run Yamaha program.

This season saw Ferris score four GP podiums in MX2, picking up his first career round with at Bastogne in Belgium last month.

“It’s good to be with the team and Yamaha for another year,” Ferris commented. “I feel settled with Steve and the guys and we had a pretty good season in MX2. I actually think I am a better 450 rider and it was always my intention to be racing grands prix in MX1 so I’m happy that we got everything sorted.

“I’ll be out on the bike as soon as possible to see how the new bike feels and then I reckon we’ll be testing already from next week. Can’t wait.”

Dixon was pleased to re-sign Ferris in his transition back to MX1, also fielding Max Anstie in MX2 for next season.

“We are very pleased to continue with Dean next year and expanding our activities into ‘MXGP’ which will be important for our sponsors and partners,” said Dixon. “I’m not concerned about having two riders in two classes, chiefly because the 2014 YZ250F and YZ450 motorcycles now have such a close and beneficial structure, and concept behind them.

“It will be exciting and even though we have just closed 2013 there is plenty to look forward to already for the winter and 2014.”

Ferris’ confirmation makes him the third Australian on the world championship grid for 2014, joining rookies Todd Waters (Husqvarna Factory Racing, MXGP) and Luke Styke (Kemea Reytec van de Laar Yamaha, MX2).