Team Suzuki World MX2’s Hunter Lawrence is pleased with his top 10 finish at Loket’s 13th round of the MX2 World Championship last weekend in the Czech Republic, which saw him credited seventh overall upon return from a back injury.

The Australian, who had been sidelined for multiple rounds with several fractured vertebras, lodged an impressive 8-8 scorecard, fighting his way into position during both motos despite only having limited seat time in the lead up to the event.

Lawrence revealed he almost didn’t enter the Loket grand prix, although he’s highly-satisfied with his result, stating it’s a great platform to build off in the closing half of the championship.

“I got out of the gate quite well in the first moto but lost ground in the first corner and had to work my way up from outside the top 20,” said Lawrence. “I got back to eighth and I was happy with that, I was feeling good, especially considering it was my first race back and my first 30 minutes plus two in the last five weeks.

“In the second moto I had a similar start which made my life a bit harder but I got to work and passed as many guys as I could and finished eighth again. After that I was completely finished as it’s so hard to come back to racing GPs with such little seat-time under my belt.

“I almost didn’t ride this weekend as I thought I’d embarrass myself so I’m delighted to have got two top 10 results and it gives me a great platform for the upcoming rounds where I’ll hopefully be much stronger.”

The Queensland native currently sits 10th in the MX2 series standings after being absent from two rounds, as the championship heads to Lommel in Belgium for the 14th stop on the calendar, set for 6 August.