Monster Energy Kawasaki has officially confirmed that Scotsman Billy Mackenzie will depart the team ahead of the 2013 season, the Scotsman tipped to be joining the powerhouse CDR Yamaha squad.

Mackenzie’s future hasn’t been announced as yet, however after three years at Kawasaki he’s confirmed that he will be competing against them next year – at least for the outdoors. The former GP race winner has been linked to CDR Yamaha since last month’s Phillip Island round of supercross

“It’s sad to leave, it’s the end of an era, three years but I’ve had a really good time and I want to thank everybody for helping me,” said Mackenzie. “It’s been a big move coming from another country. On to newer pastures next year and I’m looking forward to battling these guys in motocross next year.”

Newcastle’s season finale saw Mackenzie take a reserved and smart approach to the event, finishing up with a 10th place to cap-off his season.

“Tonight was kind of average, I haven’t had the best supercross season,” Mackenzie added. “I got a good heat race. I got fourth and ran up the front and was mixing it with Jay [Marmont] and Dan [McCoy] and I was feeling pretty good. Coming into the main, it was the last race, I didn’t want to do anything stupid. I wasn’t in contention for the championship.

“I’m real happy for Jay and Kawasaki that they’ve won the championship. I was the first one to congratulate Jay when he came over and I’m real happy for him.”

Mackenzie finished his 2012 Terex Australian Supercross Championships campaign with a 10th place overall in the premier SX-Open class. For the 2013 season, rookie Adam Monea is speculated to be signing with Kawasaki to fill Mackenzie’s place.