Image: Foremost Media.

MX1 points leader Hayden Mellross isn’t dwelling on whether Dean Ferris’ presence at Raceline KTM will prove beneficial or not to his campaign, as the triple Australian champion returns to the Pirelli MX Nationals this weekend in Murray Bridge.

Ferris, who won all 10 overall victories on his way to a third-consecutive premier class crown in 2018, will race Saturday and Sunday’s double-header with the support of Raceline KTM and supplement company Recover8, marking his first MX Nationals appearance since Coolum last year after he elected to pursue a career in America this season.

Mellross holds a five-point advantage in the championship standings, and despite Ferris entering the frame in one of the most pivotal weekends of the season, the New South Welshman has firmly set his focus on strengthening his title chances.

“I’ve been very open about the whole situation, and I’m currently in a championship hunt, so I don’t want to dwell on whether him coming on board is going to benefit or hinder me,” Mellross explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “I’ve just been focusing on what I need to do and preparing myself.

“Obviously, he’s going to be a big talking point at the races considering the championships he’s won, but in saying that, I’m going out there to win and that’s the same goal whether he’s on the line or not.

“Maybe there could be some pros that come out of it with his input into the motorcycle – I don’t think he’s ridden a KTM since being in America – so he probably could bring something to the table, but as I said, I don’t want to dwell on that as I’m doing what I need to do to stay in the championship hunt. I’m just going to continue focusing on that.”

A four-way battle for the crown is currently unfolding in the MX1 division, as just nine points separate the top four consisting of Mellross followed by Luke Clout (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy), Kirk Gibbs (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy) and Todd Waters (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna).