Australia’s Hunter Lawrence wrapped up his rookie MX2 World Motocross Championship season on a high note capturing his maiden moto victory during the final race of the year in Villars Sous Ecot, France.

The Suzuki World MX2 rider entered the final round of the season as the fastest qualifier before kicking off the racing program with a fourth in the wet and slippery moto one.

Race two saw the former Queensland resident rocket to the front of the pack early and lead from start to finish to earn a satisfying career-first moto win and second overall for the round ahead of fellow Australian Jed Beaton.

“In the second moto I went for the start, put it all in, and my RM-Z250 came out well on the inside and I held on to come out in the lead,” said Lawrence. “I just then put my head down, put in my own laps and increased my lead and was really happy with how it all went.

“I’m really happy for the win and to end the season on a high note. I was pumped because Thomas Covington was closing in at the end because I was just trying to get it over the line at that stage.”

Tasting victory on a world stage and learning how to lead the field, Lawrence now looks forward to the upcoming Motocross of Nations event at Matterley Basin in Great Britain on 1 October alongside Dean Ferris and Kirk Gibbs.

“Leading a race is a whole different ball game from coming through the pack,” he added. “But I enjoyed it and now I get to look forward to the Motocross of Nations.”

Lawrence finished out the season ninth overall in the championship rankings after missing multiple rounds due to a mid-season back injury.