Queenslander Todd Waters will take a lot from his first top 10 finish in the Motocross World Championship after racing to a sterling seventh overall last weekend in Thailand.

The Red Bull Ice One Racing Husqvarna rider motored to 10th in moto one, before a spectacular sixth in moto two – just shy of the top five – further cemented him as one of MXGP’s most talented up and comers.

In just his second grand prix appearance, Waters gained confidence in the result and will now look to establish himself as a regular inside the top 10 at remaining rounds.

“I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress this weekend,” Waters said. “I’m beginning to settle into racing at world championship level and growing in confidence. The first race went okay, but it was one of those rides where you struggle to get a decent pace going.

“I got into my groove a lot better in race two and was enjoying the conditions. My FC 450 was flawless in the extreme weather and I was able to charge all the way to the chequered flag.

“Despite just missing out on fifth place by one second I’m chuffed with sixth. It’s been a good end to the GP of Thailand.”

The result has boosted Waters into ninth in the world championship standings, the series to resume with round three in Beto Carrero, Brazil, on 30 March.