Source: Supplied.

Popular Australian Hunter Lawrence has confirmed he’ll miss the sixth round of the MX2 World Championship that’s set to take place next Tuesday, 1 May, at Orlyonok in Russia, as he continues to recover from a hand injury.

Lawrence initially injured himself during timed practice at the fourth round of the series in Italy, and following further evaluation, it was determined he fractured a metacarpal in his right hand.

“Unfortunately my hand is not ready to race in Russia this weekend,” Lawrence revealed in a statement on social media. “Despite my face in this photo, I am super bummed to miss this grand prix, [I] will keep doing all I can to make it back for the next one, thanks to everyone supporting me and believing in me – I will make the best out of it.”

It’s a bitter blow for 114 Motorsport Honda rider, who’s hopes of earning a world title before transitioning to the AMA pro circuit in 2019 have been crushed. Despite already missing two rounds of the series, Lawrence still sits eighth in the world standings.