Image: Supplied.

The returning Mitch Evans banked valuable mileage at the MXGP of Portugal, the event marking his first complete weekend with the Kawasaki Racing Team in the world championship.

Evans sustained a thumb injury prior to round one of the 2023 season in Argentina, with the Australian attempting to compete at the event before deciding after warm-up on the Sunday to withdraw.

He then missed the following rounds up to Portugal on the weekend, where he finished 21st overall after crossing the line 18th in moto one and was classified 21st in the second moto. The KX450 rider completed the qualifying race in 16th on Saturday.

“The last time I raced was in October and I knew the first race back would be tough,” Evans explained. “I’m a racer and expect more from myself so of course I’m a little disappointed but at least I’m back at the races and there were a lot of positives to take away from the weekend, my one-lap speed is good and it’s easier to make a fast rider fit than to make a fit rider faster.

“I just need to get used to the intensity and race-craft again and we’ll get there soon. There’s no pressure from the team and I’m grateful for that.”

Despite battling injuries throughout his MXGP career, Evans has shown the fortitude to be able to compete against the best on the world stage, and was part of Team Australia’s third-placed effort at last year’s Motocross of Nations (MXoN). His next outing will come at the sixth round of the 2023 MXGP World Championship this weekend in Spain.