Image: Supplied.

Team HRC’s Mitch Evans says there’s reduced pressure ahead of Valkenswaard’s second round of the MXGP World Championship after making his premier class debut last weekend.

Evans, who recorded a highly-impressive 3-7 scorecard for fifth overall at Matterley Basin, is eager to race in more familiar conditions this Saturday and Sunday, with the Dutch venue set to serve up a deep sandy circuit.

“I’m really happy with how the British GP went, going 3-7 for fifth overall, so no complaints,” Evans explained. “Really happy with my riding over the weekend and definitely glad to get the season underway.

“A little bit of pressure has gone now that we’ve done the first race, and now we can just concentrate on each weekend as it comes. This week we’ll just do one day of riding and I can just get ready for the sand in Valkenswaard.

“Last year it was a little bit hard pack but with the weather being so wet, I think it’ll be a lot deeper and rougher this year, so I’m looking forward to getting out there and doing my best.”

Evans is the sole Australian MXGP rider, while the MX2 class features regular Jed Beaton (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) and rookies Wilson Todd (DRT Kawasaki), Nathan Crawford (Team Honda 114 Motorsports) and Bailey Malkiewicz (Team Honda 114 Motorsports).