CDR Yamaha’s Dean Ferris is adamant that a change in approach heading into the main event at Jimboomba’s opening round of the Australian Supercross Championship was key to his runner-up performance aboard the all-new 2018 YZ450F.

Ferris said he initially struggled throughout the day, qualifying in fifth before a crash at turn one in his heat saw him salvage seventh. The multi-time Australian motocross champion was able bounce back for the main, making a series of passes to finish the 20-lap race in second.

“It was a good night, although I struggled earlier on in the day,” Ferris told MotoOnline.com.au. “I just didn’t feel it in practice, qualifying and the heat race. We made a few changes on the bike throughout the day – it is new – but yeah, we got it right for the main.

“I kind of changed my approach a little bit – I went into the main with a smile. I got into a good position at the front and had a battle with [Dan] Reardon, I kind of got lucky there as a lapper held him up, and I was able to zip by him without too much of a battle.

“We did bang bars earlier as well, and it would’ve been hard to pass him because we were running the same pace. I’m happy with my night, I’m happy with the 2018 Yamaha YZ450F and it’s a good start to the championship.”

The New South Welshman will head to Matterley Basin in Great Britain today to represent Australian at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations this weekend, where he’ll be joined by Kirk Gibbs (KTM Motocross Racing Team) and Hunter Lawrence (Suzuki World MX2).