At the MVM Dome stadium, a very technical track was designed, where riders had to push to the limit, especially to overcome the “rock garden”, an area filled with large stone blocks. These obstacles made the course particularly difficult, causing frequent blockages and significantly affecting the riders’ performances. The show, followed live by 15,000 spectators, ensured an outstanding spectacle and thrilling performances from the world’s best riders.
From the Rieju Factory Team, Dominik Olszowy kicked off the competition, having already shown good feelings during the practice sessions. He then went on to the SuperPole, where he set the fourth fastest time. In the first of the three finals, Olszowy made a strong and determined start, but several mistakes cost him time, eventually finishing in eighth position. In the second final, starting from the second row, it was again difficult for him to fight for a top result, as he encountered blocked riders ahead that prevented him from gaining positions, once again finishing eighth. Finally, in the third and last race of the night, he managed a good start, placing himself in a better position and battling with the leading riders. With a more consistent performance, he finished in fourth place. With these results, he ended the GP of Hungary in seventh overall. After four rounds this season, Dominik Olszowy now sits fifth in the provisional standings of the World Championship.
In the FIM European Cup, Eric Miquel continues to dominate clearly with his MR300i. So far, he has not stepped down from the top step of the podium, having won all the races held to date, demonstrating an excellent adaptation to the SuperEnduro discipline.
Miquel made a good start in the first race, but on such a demanding and technical track, several riders got stuck, and when lapping them, Eric made a mistake and was overtaken by the rider behind him. However, the Rieju rider did not stop attacking and eventually regained the lead, crossing the finish line to take the victory. In the second race, he once again made an excellent start, putting himself in front from the very beginning and holding the lead. With a cleaner performance, he increased the gap to his rivals, managing the race well and maintaining a high pace that allowed him to secure another win, finishing with a 40-second advantage over the second-placed rider.
With this fantastic performance, Miquel achieved another double victory in Budapest, accumulating a total of 115 points, which allows him to firmly maintain the championship lead with one round remaining in the FIM European Cup. The final race will take place in France on March 7.
Dominik Olszowy:
“After solid practice sessions and setting the fourth fastest time in the SuperPole, the feelings were positive and everything pointed to the podium fight being within reach again. However, an overly ambitious performance in the first race led to several mistakes and getting stuck in traffic, which resulted in an eighth-place finish. Starting from the second row in the second race, the difficulties continued in finding the right lines in the most demanding sections of the track, crossing the finish line once again in eighth position. In the third and final race, a good start finally came; maintaining a consistent pace and avoiding major mistakes made it possible to climb positions and finish in fourth place.
The results are not what we were aiming for, as the potential to fight for the podium is there. I continue to work hard to regain my best form and speed, with the goal of increasing the pace as the season progresses.”
Eric Miquel (RIEJU):
“The track was very big and beautiful, extremely technical and physical. During practice we already saw that many riders were getting stuck and creating bottlenecks. In the first race, I quickly took the lead and stayed in first place for several laps after the first corner, until I encountered some lapped riders who slowed me down. Then the second rider passed me and I had to fight back with three laps to go, battling hard to regain the lead and win the race, although it was quite tight. It was a very demanding track and it was easy to make mistakes, which could cost many positions.
In the second race, I was able to make a very fast start again and take the lead, pulling away at the front without mistakes. This allowed me to have a calmer race by opening up a good gap to second place, managing myself well, and I secured another victory with a 40-second advantage.
Honestly, I am very happy with the team and grateful for the support from Rieju. We remain first in the championship, and I am very excited and motivated for the final round of the championship in France, where we will try, if possible, to bring home the European Championship title.”
Having passed the halfway point of the season, the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship will now travel for the first time to Belgrade (Serbia) to contest the fifth round on February 21.
