Image: Supplied.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jed Beaton finished just shy of the podium for the second-straight weekend at Valkenswaard’s second round of the MX2 World Championship.

The Tasmanian was challenging for a podium position in race one before an error saw him relegated down the field, however he was able to charge back to sixth.

He rebounded strongly in moto two, putting on a fantastic performance while ditching his goggles in brutally sandy conditions, crossing the line in P2 for fourth overall – just two points behind third.

“It’s been another good GP for me, but like at Matterley I’m a little disappointed not to be on the podium,” Beaton stated. “But that’s on me as I made a mistake in the first moto. Overall, my riding’s good, I just have to keep it on two wheels to get it on the podium.

“The sand is so soft and heavy here at Valkenswaard that a small mistake can quickly become a big mistake, but it’s been good to show that my speed in the sand is good. I gated really well and felt good in the first race and went from third to second in a couple of corners and started to chase [Tom] Vialle.

“I then made a small mistake and ran off track slightly, hitting a sign and tipping over. I dropped some places, but I was pleased enough to finish with a decent result. In the second race there was a crash right in front of me, but I still got a decent start.

“I really focused on not making any mistakes and although it was tough with vision near the end of the race, I got a great second place result, which was a positive way to end the GP.”

Beaton now sits third in the championship rankings ahead of the third round, which is scheduled for 22 March at Neuquen in Argentina.