Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Dean Ferris is quietly confident ahead of next month’s Monster Energy Super X, Australasian Supercross Championship, season opener in Melbourne.

The 21-year-old was a standout while leading the Pro Open category of the Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals through much of this season, but will step across to the Lites class aboard the KX250F for Super X.

Despite skipping last year’s Super X season after campaigning the outdoors as a privateer, Ferris will be a dark horse for the Lites title against the likes of Matt Moss in 2011.

“I’m actually really excited to switch up bikes halfway through the season,” Ferris said. “It’s a new motivation and hopefully I can pick up where I left off.

“I don’t think sitting out last year will be a problem. I only just got my bike a couple of days ago and I already feel better than what I did at the end of Super X 2009 because my bike’s a lot better and I’m more confident riding.

“I sat out last year for a good reason, so I’m 100 percent confident in what we’re doing by stepping back to the Lites bike for supercross.”

Ferris is tipped to be heading to Europe for the 2012 season with sources suggesting he has inked a deal to contest the Motocross World Championship already, however he says that won’t affect his mindset entering Super X.

“I’m here to win a championship for Kawasaki and I’ll worry about Europe after that,” Ferris concluded.

Ferris will be teamed with Pro Open rider Billy Mackenzie at Monster Energy Kawasaki, while a second 450cc rider is yet to be confirmed by the team.