Honda Racing newcomer Alex Larwood has described his latest injury setback as ‘mentally hard’ as he faces another stint on the sidelines, the South Australian notably absent from moto two at Wonthaggi’s Penrite ProMX Championship season-opener on Sunday.

The South Australian has endured a tumultuous time since stepping up to the MX2 category in 2021, sustaining season-ending injuries every year since, including back-to-back shoulder reconstructions in 2022 and 2023.

Transferring to the Yarrive Konsky-operated Honda outfit for 2024 following a lengthy relationship with Yamaha, Larwood looked to a fresh start to reestablish himself as a title threat, although his championship hopes are essentially already over.

The teenager was impressive in commencing his 2024 campaign, charging from the rear of the field in the opening MX2 moto, however it was on the final lap that an untimely twist of the foot injured his left leg. Remarkably, he still finished the race in fifth position.

It’s understood Larwood was hospitalised before returning to the track later that day on crutches and in a moon boot, confirming a spiral fracture to his left fibula.

“In the first moto here at Wonthaggi, actually on the last lap, I caught my left leg in a rut,  got it caught by the footpeg and twisted it a little,” Larwood explained to MotoOnline.com.au.

“I still managed to finish the race in fifth position. The outcome I found out later is I have a spiral fracture to my fibula, so we’re not sure yet what the go is with it.

“It’s very mentally hard on yourself when you have injury after injury, hopefully this one isn’t too much out of the road and I can try get healed up and be back at the races as soon as possible.

“To be honest, it’s very hard – I’ve had enough injuries that have taught me to be fairly mentally tough. Fingers crossed I’m back soon.”

The number five is seeking further medical advice this week when he meets with a surgeon, while a timeline for his recovery is still to be determined. The ProMX championships returns for round two in just three weeks time, scheduled for 7 April at Horsham in Victoria.