Image: Supplied.

Queenslander Mitch Evans has landed on the podium while making his debut in the 2019 MX2 World Championship yesterday at Neuquen in Patagonia Argentina, marking an incredible start to his full-time international career.

The Team Honda 114 Motorsports rider demonstrated strong form in Saturday’s qualifying race, charging to an inspiring sixth place result to kick-start the year.

He returned to the circuit on Sunday in supreme form, placing fifth in the opening encounter before racing to an impressive third in the final outing, granting him the final position on the podium.

“I couldn’t be any happier, I didn’t really know what to expect being my first GP,” Evans explained. “I enjoyed every moment of it, it was awesome being here, the fans were awesome so I really enjoyed it. I knew the work that we put in during the off-season and the pre-season races, that we had if I got good starts, I could run with these boys.”

Calvin Vlaanderen (Honda HRC) and Henri Jacobi (F&H Racing Team) were fourth and fifth respectively – both tied on points with Evans for third, with the Australian being credited the higher place on countback.

The overall win was taken out by reigning world champion Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) ahead of Thomas Kjer Olsen (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing).