The privateer is still in the running for the MotoZ FIM SuperEnduro World Championship title, although things got a bit complicated for him in Budapest. Jonny WALKER was able to leave Hungary with the satisfaction of having set the benchmark time in the Akrapovic Superpole, beating Billy BOLT in an exercise that is one of the triple world champion's strengths.
The track at the MVM Dome in Budapest is one of the most impressive of the season. In size, it surpasses all the other rounds competed in earlier in 2024. After a rather technical start, the riders have to tackle a matrix composed of large logs that caught some big names throughout the evening of competition. After the finish straight, a short but tricky rocky section adds to the competitors' difficulties. Once this obstacle is overcome, the riders head towards the heart of the Hungarian track. An immense pyramid composed of another rocky section uphill and an impressive matrix on its other side. This was undoubtedly one of the key spots of the Budapest evening. Finally, a huge jump where the former motocross riders could show their bravery and make the difference with the other riders.
Will HOARE (GBR-Rieju) was the first to take off. The new Rieju rider made no major mistakes but also didn't take too many risks. He set the first benchmark time (32.344), which earned him the fourth final time. It's Dominik OLSZOWY's (POL-Rieju) turn, his teammate at the Iberian manufacturer. The Pole makes a mistake in the matrix at the top of the pyramid. He loses precious seconds and finishes last of the day (38.803). Mitch BRIGHTMORE (GBR-GASGAS) once again made it into the Superpole, the 2023 Junior World Champion couldn't do better than seventh (33.215), but he continues his learning curve in the Prestige class. Eddie KARLSSON (SWE-Husqvarna) would have loved to replicate his stunning result from the GP of Romania and win another Superpole, but a small mistake in the last matrix pushed him back to fifth place (32.483). Manuel LETTENBICHLER (GER-KTM) is still looking for the little spark that could brighten his season. Third this time (32.058), he has two more chances to find the opening. It's the third time this season that Billy BOLT (GBR-Husqvarna) hasn't clinched the pole position of a GP. When BOLT sets off, he starts at a very strong pace. He always gives the same feeling of perfectly mastering his subject, but the stopwatch's verdict comes in. He has to settle for the second time, two hundredths off the benchmark (30.991). BOLT, of course, has his eye on a bigger trophy, second position suits him perfectly. Jonny WALKER (GBR-Beta) wins his second Akrapovic Superpole after the one he had already secured in Riesa. This time (30.780) brings him a nice consolation prize after an evening that was a bit complicated for him.
The next stage of the MotoZ FIM SuperEnduro World Championship is scheduled for February 24th in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Provisional Standing: 1. Jonny WALKER 10 pts; 1. Billy BOLT 10pts; 3. Eddie KARLSSON 4pts; 3. Manuel LETTENBICHLER 4pts. 4. Dominik OLSZOWY 2pts; 6. Diogo VIEIRA 1pt...
