Monster Energy Kawasaki MX2 Racing Team’s Hunter Lawrence turned heads in his official debut aboard the factory KX250F in round one of the European 250 Motocross Championship (EMX250) at Valkenswaard over the weekend.

The Australian teenager made a great impression from the word go in moto one as he raced to a strong second place, less than two and a half seconds behind the winner on Saturday.

Weather conditions deteriorated dramatically mid-way through the second moto and, after briefly taking the lead, Lawrence made a couple of mistakes as conditions became more slippery, but he showed resilience to finish fifth.

“It was good weekend,” Lawrence explained. “I got a good start in the first race and was happy with my second place. Today was different as I crashed twice, the first one when I came back from my 12th position from the start and then when I was trying to pass a lapper.

“I scored a top four for my first European MX250 event, which was my second ever race on a KX250F. The track was rough and became slippery for the second moto with the rain and it was awesome to start the season with such a good result.”

Hunter was credited fourth overall in the event and the series, just two points behind second place, alongside round three of the MXGP World Championship.