Image: Supplied.

Mitch Evans starred in his All-Japan Motocross Championship debut at Sugo Sportsland’s finale over the weekend, the Australian racing to a dominant victory in Honda HRC colours.

The MX2 World Championship regular has been widely linked to the factory Honda seat alongside reigning MXGP champion Tim Gajser for the 2020 season, with his appearance in Japan – where he sported the outfit’s sponsors – only strengthening speculation.

The Queenslander rode commandingly in the 450 category at the eighth and final round, recording a 1-1 scorecard across the pair of motos.

“I had a lot of fun this weekend, I wish we could’ve done a bit more riding yesterday, but the weather was a bit too wet,” Evans explained in an interview with Swapmoto Live. “I think they did a really great job with the track today – it was really technical.

“I had a heap of fun, got two decent starts and made my way to the front. The boys were pushing me there for a while – the track was really rough and technical – it had a nice flow to it, and you had to stay on the pegs. It was a cool weekend, [I went] 1-1. It’s the first time I’ve won a race in a while, so it actually feels pretty good.”

Evans raced his maiden grand prix season with Team Honda 114 Motorsports this season in the MX2 category, where he scored an overall podium on debut. It’s tipped Australians Nathan Crawford and Bailey Malkiewicz will make up the 114 Motorsports line-up next season.