A strong start to the 2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season on-board a privateer Yamaha has secured Dean Wilson a seat with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing for the remainder of the year.

Wilson, who was released by Red Bull KTM at the end of last year following two injury-affected seasons, will replace Frenchman Christophe Pourcel from this weekend’s Oakland round and through into Pro Motocross.

“It’s really exciting,” Wilson said. “Getting the call from Bobby [Hewitt] was a great moment. I haven’t had a good, happy day like that in a long time. I’m definitely a lot more appreciative than I’ve ever been for a ride.

“I feel like my training is all good and I plan to keep the same preparation and momentum going – the goal is to stay healthy and try to get in the top 10. I want to remain focused, working hard and making the team proud.”

Team manager Bobby Hewitt commented: “I’m thrilled to have Dean join the team and proud that we’ve been able to finalise our Canadian program with Christophe. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Dean during his amateur years and I’m glad to be reunited with him.

“He will compete at the Supercross in Oakland but only had two days in order to get used to his new FC 450, so this will be a little challenge for sure. However, he has a positive attitude combined with a skill level that I feel confident once he gets used to the Husqvarna will allow him to compete at the highest level.”

Meanwhile, Pourcel will now surprisingly lead Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s entry into the Rockstar Energy-backed Canadian nationals, ending his supercross season early and also ruling him out of the US motocross series.

“I’m very excited about this opportunity, and the ability to take a little more time to recover from my previous neck fractures and prepare for racing,” Pourcel said. “We have been talking about this transition for quite some time and now is the perfect time.

“I’m looking forward to my future with Husqvarna and the role I will have with them in their new efforts in Canada. I would like to send a special thanks to Bobby Hewitt, as well as everyone at Rockstar Energy and Husqvarna Motorcycles for their continued support through my career.”