Kemea Yamaha’s Benoit Paturel believes his maiden victory in the MX2 World Champion last weekend at the MXGP of Switzerland is just the beginning of race-winning results for the Frenchman.

Paturel recorded a phenomenal 2-1 scorecard to be awarded the top spot, which the Yamaha rider says is a day we will never forget after enduring a number of challenging weekends in recent months.

“It was an incredible day for me,” said Paturel. “I won my first GP – I will never forget this day. I have had a bad time over the last couple of months but I have shown today that I can still win and it’s good for me, and good for the team.

“I am so happy for today, and I plan on continuing like this. There are still four GP’s remaining, and I hope to do the same results like this.”

The number six currently sits third in the world standings despite multiple non-point scoring finishes, with the series now heading the Sweden this weekend for the 16th stop on the calendar.

Being a member of the victorious French Motocross of Nations (MXoN) squad in 2016, Paturel was named as a reserve in favour of US-based Dylan Ferrandis (Yamalube Star Racing Yamaha) for the 2017 edition, who line-up alongside team regulars Gautier Paulin (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) and Romain Febvre (Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing).