ICE1RACING Kawasaki has confirmed that Dutch rider Marc de Reuver will replace Dean Ferris for the remainder of the FIM Motocross World Championship.

Ferris has been forced out after undergoing shoulder surgery, with that injury suffered during the French Grand Prix at St. Jean d’Angely earlier this month.

The Australian had his shoulder operated last Tuesday in Belgium, in order to start the rehabilitation for the next season as soon as possible.

De Reuver first replaced Ferris at Bastogne in Belgium, but will substitute him for the rest of the GP season. He’s been riding the British championship the first half of the season and is currently second in the series.

”This change of plans this year came as a big surprise to me and I want to thank the ICE1RACING team loads for giving me this opportunity,” de Reuver said. “I tried the bike last week in the sand and I can say that this bike has good chances to a top result in my home GP in Lierop.

“I want to score as many points as I can this year and I will put all my heart in it in order to achieve that. I want to thank again the team and let’s go get them.”

Eight GP rounds remain in the 2012 title chase, with Ferris instead focused on returning strong next season.