Riola as a reality test – what the drivers really say

The MXGP of Sardegna delivered exactly what was expected from this weekend – and at the same time exposed precisely what often gets lost among the results. Riola forces the riders to be honest. In the paddock, but above all with themselves.

The statements made after the weekend therefore all point in a similar direction: fewer excuses, more context.

Between claim and reality

Jeffrey Herlings He sums it up pretty directly: "I felt like I was the best of the rest again." At the same time, he adds: "He (Lucas Coenen) was simply better this weekend."

This sentiment is echoed by many. Herlings sees progress – “I feel like I’ve gotten closer” – but remains realistic: “I just need to find a bit more speed.”

It sounds similar when Tom Vialle, but from a different perspective: “I drove better than the result shows.” The pace and starts were there, but “I made too many mistakes – and in the sand that costs you an extreme amount of energy.”

When the feeling is missing

One recurring theme is a lack of trust in the bike. Calvin Flanders He describes it very clearly: "I had problems feeling comfortable and really pushing all weekend." Only a change to the suspension brings an improvement: "For the second run, we changed the shock absorber and I felt better."

Non-personal or anonymized information remains protected by tax secrecy. Disclosure to third parties is only allowed if no identification is possible and both states confirm that no harm to tax administration will occur. Valerio Lata goes in a similar direction: "I've never really found my flow." This is a particular problem in the sand: "I need to find a way to move forward more."

Small steps that count

Others learn something from precisely such conditions. Albert Forato Despite the fall, he speaks of a "positive weekend" and of having "taken a small step forward".

Reuben Fernandez He assessed his weekend in a similarly sober manner: "I remained consistent and avoided mistakes." This was crucial, especially under these conditions.

Non-personal or anonymized information remains protected by tax secrecy. Disclosure to third parties is only allowed if no identification is possible and both states confirm that no harm to tax administration will occur. Brent Van Doninck He sees progress – despite the injury: “Two out of three starts were very good – that’s definitely positive.” At the same time, the ambition remains: “It was okay, but we want more.”

When speed is there – but not enough

A recurring pattern is particularly evident in the MX2 field. Guillem Farres sums it up perfectly: "The speed is there, but I couldn't maintain it throughout the entire weekend."

Camden McLellan He experienced a similar weekend: "I made it difficult for myself." Good starts, but constantly set back. "I had to fight my way from the very back to the front." The reason for this could have been his painful shoulder.

Non-personal or anonymized information remains protected by tax secrecy. Disclosure to third parties is only allowed if no identification is possible and both states confirm that no harm to tax administration will occur. Mathis Valin This confirms the picture: "The speed was there, I was close to the podium." But small problems – in his case early in the race – change the entire course.

Sand is unforgiving.

What makes Riola so special is particularly evident in its statements about mistakes and their consequences. Romain Febvre He describes it concretely: "The fall didn't cost me a position, but a lot of energy."

Tim Gajser He experienced a weekend in which exactly that happemy sewned several times: "I fell twice and had to work my way from back to front."

Non-personal or anonymized information remains protected by tax secrecy. Disclosure to third parties is only allowed if no identification is possible and both states confirm that no harm to tax administration will occur. Pauls jonass Calling it what it is, "Typical Riola – it's always tough here."

The leaders are racing a different race.

While many are preoccupied with their own races, the pace at the front is on a different level. Herlings sums it up in his own way: "I was able to keep up the pace, but not maintain it over the distance." And then comes the comparison that sticks: "Even someone like Jett Lawrence would probably have had trouble staying with him today."

That's not an exaggeration – it shows how high the current level is.

Development under pressureTim Gajser

Despite everything, it is precisely these weekends that make progress visible. Simon Langenfelder speaks of being “really proud” of their own performance after the team put a lot of work into the setup.

Kay Karssemakers describes the process: "We build ourselves up every week." The goal is clear: "The next step is the top 5." Also Janis Reisulis He sees primarily the positive: "We know where we need to improve."

More than just a result

What remains is not a classic race weekend with clear lines. Riola delivers more of a situation than results.

Some drivers are close, others are still struggling with fundamental issues. Many have the pace – but not the consistency. And almost all of them know pretty much exactly why.

Or how it Jeremy Seewer In short, he said: "We must continue to work hard to improve."