Image: Octopi Media.

Returning three-time 450MX champion Ryan Dungey believes the current KTM 450 SX-F FE is the strongest outdoors package he’s ridden from the brand, scoring an impressive P5 overall at Fox Raceway in his comeback.

Pala was Dungey’s first professional outing since 2017 Monster Energy Supercross, showing little sign of losing pace he secured a pair of fifths to open the 2022 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.

“I’m excited to be here racing and super-thankful it worked out. Going into the first moto, it was important to just let it come to me – don’t rush, don’t override, hit your marks and find good lines as the race goes on. I was able to make some passes and I was actually pretty happy with fifth,” Dungey said.

“I got a really good start in the second moto and that was nice because I got to run up there with Chase [Sexton] and Ken [Roczen] and get a feel of that pace that I need to work towards. I’m actually really happy with the day and the bike, too. We made some changes going into the second moto and that really helped.”

A question entering outdoors was if the latest Factory Edition would be a competitive platform after Cooper Webb struggled to find comfort in Supercross – unable to defend his 450SX crown or even win a race throughout the season. For Dungey, he’s certain the platform is competitive in motocross.

“For me, it’s the best outdoor bike I’ve ever ridden at KTM, so that’s really pleasing,” he added. “The cool part is I see the areas I need to work on and that’s the challenge and the motivation moving forward.”

Originally, it was announced Dungey would compete in rounds one and two of the 450MX series with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. He later revealed a commitment to the contest the full 12 rounds, with his own personal expectations to compete at the front.