It remains a work in progress for Australia’s Hunter Lawrence in his rookie MX2 World Championship season with the Suzuki World MX2 team.

Battling through bike issues and bad starts to finish Trentino’s fifth round of the series in 16th-place overall, it was a challenging first European round of the year for the young Queenslander.

“The first moto I was feeling good and although I didn’t get the best start, I made as many passes as I could and was really trying my best and giving 100 percent as I always do,” said Lawrence. “Unfortunately, I had a bike issue, which could happen to anyone, so that was disappointing as I had to pull off.

“In between the motos we swapped to a new engine so the bike was good to go for second race. Once again though I got a mid-pack start which really makes it difficult but I worked really hard to do the best I could again.”

Confident in his ability and preparation program, the determined Lawrence will continue working towards his MX2 goals following an improved 11th-place finish in moto two.

“I feel my riding isn’t the issue and I think during the moto I have the speed and the fitness to do really well,” he explained. “I finished 11th this moto and overall it was good. There were no crashes that were my fault but this isn’t where I want to be. I know what I’m capable of, and so do the people around me, and we’ll keep working until we get there.”

The former EMX250 overall winner now sits 16th overall in the 2017 MX2 World Championship points chase as the series heads to Valkenswaard for round six on 23 April.