Source: Supplied.

Youthful Australian Hunter Lawrence (Suzuki World MX2) isn’t ruling out a podium finish for Team Australia this weekend at Matterley Basin’s 2017 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) in Great Britain, where he’ll be joined by Dean Ferris (CDR Yamaha) and Kirk Gibbs (KTM Motocross Racing Team).

Lawrence, who’s coming off a stellar MX2 World Championship campaign with a number of podiums to his name, will enter the event for the very first time, finding himself in the same position as teammate Gibbs.

Team Australia hasn’t stepped on the podium at the prestigious race since 2011, although the Queensland-native is positive that this year’s squad is capable getting the job done on Sunday.

“Being chosen to race for my country at the Motocross of Nations is pretty exciting,” Lawrence expressed. “I can’t wait to get out there and get going. The track looks awesome, so I’m pumped on that but we’ll see how team Australia get on.

“I want to say that Australia is capable of a top five and if we all ride how we can ride and get a bit of luck, I honestly think we can get on the box. I think we are a strong team and I can’t wait to ride in what will be probably be the craziest race of my career so far.”

Last year Australia completed the race eighth overall, with team leader Ferris believing the British circuit will play into the favour of the three-man team from down under at this year’s edition, which he is also hopeful that it will result in a strong finish.