Image: Supplied.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jed Beaton will sit out the upcoming rounds of the 2019 MX2 World Championship after suffering a broken sternum during practice this week.

Beaton, who had been gradually gaining strength in the back part of the season and was closing in on a return to the podium, was injured while preparing for Lommel’s Belgian grand prix.

“Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jed Beaton unfortunately suffered a crash while riding in preparation for this weekend’s MXGP of Belgium, which means the Australian is going to miss the upcoming GPs,” a social media update from the team confirmed. “We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the bike soon.”

Beaton is currently seventh in the MX2 championship standings with just five rounds remaining, however, there has been no indication in regards to when he will be able to make it back behind the start-gates.