For the third time this season in three Grand Prix, a round of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship will be contested in front of a full house. The Hungarian Grand Prix is back in the Papp Lazlo Sport Arena in Budapest on Saturday (4th February). 12,000 fans will be able to follow the adventures of all the top riders of the world championship, the young guns of the junior category and the many entrants of the European Cup.
Preview and Images by SuperEnduro
Hungary is already marking the midway point of the season, Billy BOLT (GBR-Husqvarna) is the leader of the world championship with 14 points ahead of his compatriot Jonny WALKER (Beta). Jonny showed some very good dispositions during the last round at Riesa during the German Grand Prix. It’s rare enough to point it out, but BOLT was not error-free. Going down twice, the official Husqvarna let a heat victory escape in favor of WALKER. BOLT also had to work hard to tame the ardor of his opponents who were more determined than ever to make him stumble. BOLT wins the GP, but he has never been so much in danger in three seasons. Will the English rider react during this Hungarian round? It would seem obvious that his determination, to regain full control, has been raised to defcon 5.
WALKER will be keen to repeat his previous performance and win a round that has been denied him for almost three seasons. He must stay focused and close to Billy BOLT if he wants to succeed. Taddy BLAZUSIAK (POL-GASGAS) produced a convincing performance in Germany. Third in the GP, the Polish legend made his experience speak to snatch the third step of the podium. On a slightly faster track, the six-time world champion could perhaps have his word to say. Cody WEBB (USA-Sherco) offered two solid races in Krakow and Riesa, the American is without hesitation in great shape compared to last season. A little more chance and above all a good qualification could allow him to shine at the forefront next weekend.
As usual many outsiders will have a role to play for this third meeting of the season. We will follow the performance of Eddie KARLSSON (SWE-KTM) with great attention, will the Swedish lumberjack be able to repeat his performance of the two previous rounds? Will Dominik OLSZOWY (POL-GASGAS) join into the top 5? Unfortunately, Tim APOLLE (GER-Beta) will not be sufficiently recovered from his sprained knee to come… Will Cooper ABBOTT (USA-Sherco) able to increase his performance a little more to score big points in Hungary? Will Norbert ZSIGOVITS (H – KTM) will shine in front of his home crowd?
Junior: Milan SCHMUESER must fight back
He was on paper the big favorite for the season in the Junior category, but Milan SCHMUESER (GER-Sherco) has come up against siblings since the start of the season who are causing him a lot of trouble. Mitch and Ashton BRIGHTMORE (GBR-GASGAS) each put their names at the top of the results sheet. Mitch won the Polish grand prix and Ashton the German one. The two brothers logically occupy the head of the general classification with SCHMUESER in ambush. It would nevertheless be welcome if the German managed to control this British domination. A little more regularity and concentration should allow him to sign his first success of the season. For the BRIGHTMORE brothers, it is now certain that the two young men will fight for the world crown this season. A victory in Germany could be decisive at mid season ! .
Europe: all behind Dan PEACE
The competition in the European Cup will also be interesting to follow. Dan PEACE (GBR-Sherco), dominating for his debut at Riesa, will be in the sights of all his opponents. It is obvious that Mark SZOKE (HUN-Sherco) will want to take advantage of his home round to take the lead. He is only a tiny unit away from PEACE overall. His compatriot Roland LISZKA (KTM) with four points behind will be able to play his luck, he will have to watch the intentions of the Polish Grzegorz KARGUL who is only 5 points behind the leader of the Cup.
All these races of the Hungarian Grand Prix can be followed live on SuperEnduro.tv from 6:00 p.m. this Saturday February 4, 2023.
