Team Honda 114 Motorsports’ Mitch Evans has put in an impressive performance in his first hit out since moving to Europe to challenge the upcoming MX2 World Championship, featuring inside the top 10 at the weekend’s International d’Italia opener in Riola, Italy.

The Italian event boasted a number of world championship regulars across both categories, with multi-time world title holder Antonio Cairoli (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) taking out the MX1 and Superfinal races, as reigning MX2 world champion Jorge Prado won the opening MX2 encounter.

Making his racing debut aboard the CRF250R, Evans charged to sixth in the MX2 moto before lodging a positive seventh in the Superfinal, which sees the top 450 and 250 contenders combined for one 30-minute outing.

“The weekend was a very positive start to the season,” said Evans. “I achieved my goal of riding smart, consistent and keeping it on two wheels. It was great to race against some of the guys I will be racing in the GP’s and I am happy with where my speed and fitness is at. I am looking forward to racing again this weekend.”

Compatriot Caleb Grothues (SDM Corse Yamaha) was also impressive in the MX2 category, finishing one position behind Evans in the quarter-litre class, while his campaign in the Superfinal was ultimately cut short after six laps. The Italian motocross championship heads to Ottobiano this weekend for round two.