The Grand Prix of Romania made its debut this year on the MotoZ FIM SuperEnduro World Championship calendar. Under the direction of Paul GRECU and the MotoClub HAITA, the BT Arena transformed into a SuperEnduro track. The highly technical layout received a rather positive reception from the competitors, although some requested modifications to improve the flow and the safety during the races. The good and pleasant surprise was seeing the arena filled with fans who gave a warm ovation to all the riders from the three present categories. The autograph session was also a great moment of interaction between the riders and fans. A success, the Grand Prix of Romania has truly earned its status as a World Championship stage.
Will HOARE, New Factory Rider
The announcement came a few days before the fourth round of the season. Will HOARE (GBR), the 2019 Junior World Champion, became an official Rieju rider for the rest of the 2024 season. The Briton becomes a factory rider for the first time in his career. Will visited Rieju in Spain a few days before the GP of Romania for a test run to familiarize himself with his new machine before taking ownership. To expedite the adaptation process, HOARE rode a 2-stroke MR 300, which closely resembles the sensation of the Beta he started the season with. The Englishman adapted well to his bike. Qualified fifth after the Akrapovic SuperPole, he struggled a bit during the GP despite a good first race finishing in fourth position. He was jostled a bit in the following two finals, finishing eighth twice. He ultimately ranks seventh, slipping one place in the overall standings. He is now fourth, just behind Manuel LETTENBICHLER by five points. After the GP, Will HOARE still had the formidable task of bringing his Rieju back to England. A 26-hour drive was on the agenda for him and his team between Romania and Great Britain.
LETTENBICHLER & Co
The usual protagonists of the MotoZ FIM SuperEnduro World Championship delivered an incredible show during the fourth round of the season. Manuel LETTENBICHLER (GER-KTM) once again experienced an emotionally charged GP. The official KTM rider started the first two races, tasting the dust of the BT Arena. During both races, he had to embark on a wild comeback. He finished the first race in an impressive third position, challenging a struggling Billy BOLT with a knee injury. In the second final, Mani stopped in fifth place with a slightly more chaotic race. He finished third in the last race, which is also his final ranking in the GP of Romania. His second podium after the GP of Germany. He precedes Dominik OLSZOWY (POL-Rieju), who once again falls short of his goal for 2024. The Pole, however, remains consistently among the top five riders (5th in Romania). The 2022 Junior World Champion is confident of achieving his goals before the end of the season. Eddie KARLSSON (SWE-Husqvarna) is also one of the heroes of the evening, winning the Akrapovic SuperPole and the Airoh Holeshot. The Swede finished fourth in Transylvania, his best result in SuperEnduro. Happy with this performance, he wants to continue this momentum in Budapest.
Other riders stood out this evening. Mitch BRIGHTMORE (GBR-GASGAS) finishes sixth in the event, reflecting the potential once again displayed by the reigning Junior World Champion. The elder of the family had a good second race, crossing the finish line fourth after leading for many laps. The Briton can be satisfied with his first season among the elite. He is currently sixth in the overall standings, very close to the global top 5.
Junior Category: Full of Suspense
The SuperEnduro Junior category is undoubtedly the most hotly contested this season. The top two have never been separated by more than 4 points since the second round of the championship. Suff SELLA (ISR-KTM) and Ashton BRIGHTMORE (GBR-GASGAS) have each won races. The Briton signs his second victory in Romania after his success in Riesa in early January. While they are the strongmen of the first half of the season, they must keep a watchful eye on their opponents. Hungarian Roland LISZKA (KTM), third overall, will be at home for the next GP in Budapest. Milan SCHMUESER (GER-Sherco) may also have recovered from his forearm injury. It will also be necessary to keep an eye on Spaniard Marc FERNANDEZ SERRA (KTM), who stepped onto his first podium in Cluj (3rd in the GP). The final straight line is underway, and consistency, concentration, and bravery will be the necessary qualities these young riders must demonstrate if they want to seize the coveted first world crown they all eagerly desire.
Europe Ensures the Show
Xavi LEON SOLE (ESP-GASGAS) has a 31-point lead over Maciej WIECKOWSKI (GASGAS) in the SuperEnduro European Cup standings. Unless he makes a major mistake, he could secure the title with a victory in the first final in Budapest. The Spaniard once again showed his dominance during the Romanian event. He won two more races, having to battle hard for his comeback. The duel between LEON SOLE and Damian BRONIEWSKI (POL-Husqvarna) for the win in the last final was intense. LEON SOLE shone, as did Dustin McCARTHY (Beta). The North American finished second in his second European Cup GP. There is only one more step for the friendly US rider to climb.
Raven Spectator Race Turns Mixed
The race within the race organized by Raven for the fans was exciting. Some brave young women joined the boys for the first time this season. Joci GALBA emerged victorious with style, cheered on by his many compatriots. See you in Budapest to participate in the next fan race. Registrations will soon be open for this upcoming evening; keep an eye on our social media to send us your application.
