Image: Spencer Owens / Pro Motocross.

With a full season of Supercross under his belt aboard the TLD Red Bull GasGas MC450, Justin Barcia is feeling comfortable and ready for the 2021 Pro Motocross championship.

Barcia comes into the 2021 outdoor season following his fourth-place finish in the Monster Energy Supercross championship, his best effort since 2013.

His switch from Yamaha to the TLD Red Bull GasGas squad, seemed to be refreshing for both himself and the team, as they switched from KTM and added a 450 rider to their roster.

Now with 17 rounds of Supercross in the rearview, Barcia and the team seem to be firing on all cylinders as he’s found comfort with the motorcycle and excitement heading into the season.

“The bike’s been awesome, I’ve been really enjoying it,” Barcia explained. “It’s hard to compare to what I was previously riding to this, it’s just a night and day difference.

You always don’t really know where you’re at [against the competition], but for me right now, physically, mentally, the bikes working really good.

I’ve done a whole bunch of testing, so it’s been fun I’ve learned a lot. We have tons of settings from Europe and Coop [Cooper Webb] and Marv [Marvin Musquin] have been riding this bike a long time. I’ve been able to dial in my own spec a little bit and I’m stoked.”

In terms of his expectation, Barcia’s confident in the fact that he’s consistently been competitive and is ready to take the next step and mix it up for the title.

“I’m really excited for the season,” he continued. “I’m always competitive and I’m looking to take that next step, be consistent and go out there and battle for wins and stuff.

“So I think this year for me will be an exciting year, there’s going to be a lot of competition but I always enjoy that, I always enjoy a really good fight and I know it’s going to be a grueling one.”

On top of his feeling with the bike, Barcia’s enjoying the laid-back, fun atmosphere of the team that is consistent with GasGas and Troy Lee Designs brands, and being the only premier class rider doesn’t hurt either.

“The team’s been rad, it’s a pleasure working with them,” said Barcia. “Being the only 450 rider is pretty wicked. I enjoy that just because I get a lot of attention from the guys and I’m able to get work done and be happy.”

Barcia and the rest of the field will get their first chance to see how they stack up against the competition tomorrow at Fox Raceway in Pala, CA for round one of the 24-moto, 12-round championship.