Red Bull IceOne Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Todd Waters sealed ninth in the 2015 MXGP World Championship standings following a hotly-contested final round at Glen Helen in the United States last weekend.

Waters went 19-13 for 17th overall to conclude his first full grand prix season against top European and American competition in California, satisfied with his overall ranking in the series.

Despite a difficult finish to the year, the 24-year-old North Queenslander’s first-career podium at Maggiora, Italy, was a highlight across the gruelling 18-round schedule. It’s expected he will be re-signed by Husqvarna for 2016.

“Like everyone I was looking for a positive end to the 2015 MXGP series,” Waters said. “The second half of the championship hasn’t gone as well as I’d hoped, so I really wanted a strong finish. Unfortunately I had an issue in the first race, which meant I wasn’t able to charge like I wanted to – I stalled the bike in one corner and things just didn’t come together.

“In the second moto I just didn’t have what I needed for a better result. Like I said, it’s a frustrating end to the championship for me. This year I achieved pretty much all of the goals I set myself – top five results, a podium, ending the year healthily and I owe the team so much for that.”

Waters will now travel direct to Ernee, France, to represent Team Australia as the MX1 class entry at this weekend’s annual Motocross of Nations (MXoN) event.