KTM Australia has announced the signing of Hunter Lawrence, who finished fifth in the 65cc Junior Motocross World Championship in Italy last weekend.

Lawrence finalised a deal with the Austrian manufacturer to compete aboard the 65 SX and 85 SX models supported by KTM Brisbane right before travelling to Europe for the world titles.

“I’m stoked to ride KTMs and the bikes are exactly what I need to continue getting good results,” the 12-year-old from Landsborough in Queensland said.

“I feel really comfortable on the bikes and they are really fun to ride. I’m looking forward to more races with them now!”

Lawrence starred as top performing Australian rider at the world championships last week, setting the fastest 65cc lap of the entire weekend in timed practice before going on to score 8-3 results in the motos for fifth overall.

Lawrence stunned as he raced through the 40-rider pack in moto one after falling in the first turn.

Also this season, Lawrence has so far won both the 10-12 years 65cc and 9-11 years 85cc divisions in the Queensland Motocross Championship, and placed second in the 11-12 years 85cc New Zealand Motocross Championship.

He also leads the Sunshine State series on the 65cc and 85cc with one round remaining.

Last season saw Lawrence win the 9-11 years 65cc Australian Motocross Championship, plus finish second in the 9-12 years 150cc four-stroke title and fourth in the 9-12 years 85cc ranks. He was also the New Zealand champion in the 9-11 years 65cc category.