Image: Supplied.

Showing fast pace throughout the motos at Maggiora, Team HRC’s Mitch Evans finished the MXGP of Italy in P9 after poor starts left him to recover from deep in the field in each bout, scoring a season-best result of sixth in moto two.

Evans passed a total of 15 riders across both races and was able to match the pace of overall winner and teammate Tim Gajser at the end of the second race, on route to a 13-6 scorecard.

“Other than my starts, I had a good couple of races, especially race two where I came from 14th on lap one, to finish in sixth place,” Evans explained.  “This was my best moto result of the season and it was such a nice confidence boost to be passing guys, coming through the field and pushing right until the very end.

“Of course, I’d prefer to be up front to begin with, but I know that will come as I am doing all the right things off the grid, so I’m just going to keep working hard and I’m sure next weekend in Riola will be much better.”

In his 2022 return, Evans has showed flashes of podium potential, qualifying third for the MXGP of Trentino before suffering towards the end of the races, whereas at Maggiora, Evans showed strong pace throughout race two to pick riders off.

The number 43 will be looking to put the pieces together at round eight of the 2022 MXGP World Championship at Riola Sardo this weekend to continue his fight forwards.