Resurgent Australian Mitch Evans has labelled his breakout MXGP World Championship heat race win as a reward following a long road back from injury.

Evans, 23, missed all of last season while recovering from a troublesome left wrist fracture, but has shown promise throughout 2022 in a bid to get back to full strength.

Uddevalla on Saturday marked his best performance yet, second behind world champion teammate Tim Gajser in free practice and then going on to win the qualification race over Gajser in a milestone ride.

“It feels really good to get a race win and to be back at the very front of the field,” Evans reflected. “It was a long injury layoff that I suffered and I went through some difficult times, but to be back here is an amazing feeling and just reward for all the hard work I’ve put in.

“Of course, it is only a Saturday qualification race, so I know I need to replicate this on Sunday in the two motos, but I feel really comfortable out there if I get out the gate well, I feel confident I do the same thing as today. A big thank you to all the people supporting me, to Team HRC for helping me get back to this position and I’m really excited for the motos.”

It’s a timely boost for Evans, who is effectively fighting to save his Team HRC seat alongside Gajser for next season as Spaniard Ruben Fernandez continues to be linked to a full-time contract within the factory organisation. Fernandez is currently P6 in the standings, with Evans 11th following 14 rounds.