This weekend marked the fourth round of the nineteen-round FIM World Championship making a return to the deep, rough sand-based track of Riola Sardo. Gabriel SS24 were looking to improve on their results from the previous Grand Prix and deliver consistent, strong performances throughout the weekend in both classes continuing to show they belong at the front end of the field.

Photo: Jpacevedophoto

Saturday saw high temperatures of 26°C, making conditions even more challenging due to the intensity of the heat. First out on track was Gyan for free practice it took most of the session for him to get comfortable enough to put in a strong lap. On lap 8 he set his fastest time placing him fifth. Next up was Oriol who looked showed impressive on the track and quickly found his rhythm early on and he set the fastest lap.

However, as the session progress he dropped down the order despite continuing to improve his lap time, by the end of the session he was in fourteenth position. Gyan then took to the track for time practice where he looked strong throughout consistently improving and eventually setting a time good enough for third position. Oriol on the other hand found timed practice more difficult he struggled to put together a clean lap and couldn’t quite find his flow. By the end of the session he was classified in P24, making things more challenging heading into the qualifying race.

Gyan lined up for EMX250 race one determined to show his potential. He had an average start entering the first corner just outside the top ten but quickly fought his way up to eighth in the opening laps. Settling into a strong rhythm Gyan consistently made passes and climbed through the field setting his fastest lap on lap 11.

With five minutes plus two laps remaining he was in fifth and closing the gap to Nicolò Alvisi and Mano Faure. Pushing hard and setting the pace as the fastest rider on track, he passed both riders with three laps to go. Gyan crossed the line in an impressive third place giving him great confidence heading into moto two on Sunday as this was his best race EMX250 race result this season.

The final gate drop of the day was the MXGP qualifying race. Starting from 24th gate Oriol faced a tough challenge to get a good start. He came out of turn two well outside the top twenty but quickly put his head down and got to work. Within three laps he had moved inside the top twenty making strong passes and showing determination.

As the race progressed Oriol battled with Calvin Vlaanderen and Rubén Fernández riding well, choosing creative lines, and looking strong on the bike. With two laps to go he was up to thirteenth just behind Pauls Jonass and closing the gap. Unfortunately, he couldn’t make the pass and finished in 13th, a strong comeback from his starting position.

With cloudier conditions on Sunday, it was more comfortable for racing. Heading into moto two Gyan was in a strong position to fight for his first podium of the year and was feeling confident. He got a solid start coming out of the first turn in fifth however he lost a couple of positions on the opening lap, dropping to eighth.

By the five-minute mark Gyan made important passes to move up to third putting himself in contention for second overall. He then battled with Mano Faure for several laps but not feeling fully comfortable on the track, lost a position. Still struggling to find his rhythm Gyan fought hard and with two laps to go was still holding third overall. Unfortunately, on the final lap another rider made a pass on him dropping him out of podium contention. Gyan finished fifth in the race combined with his 3-5 results, he was narrowly beaten for the overall by Aron Katona’s 7-2.

The first gate drop of the day in MXGP saw Oriol narrowly miss out on another holeshot he entered the second turn in an impressive second place, just behind Tom Vialle with Jeffrey Herlings close behind in third. Looking smooth and composed Oriol quickly found his rhythm and consistently ran inside the top five holding his own against factory riders and showing strong pace lap after lap.

He then engaged in a close battle with Ruben Fernandez matching his fastest lap times over several laps. Eventually Fernandez managed to edge ahead but Oriol remained competitive throughout. With 10 minutes to go Oriol was still pushing hard chasing down Vialle for sixth place, however a small mistake dropped him back to ninth. Despite this setback he kept fighting to the finish and never gave up, ultimately crossing the line in a well-earned eleventh place.

Taking time between races to recover Oriol came into the final moto of the day feeling ready. Once again, he got a fantastic jump out of the gate placing himself fourth on the opening lap. Riding up front during the first ten minutes Oriol showed strong pace as he continued to build his race craft and adapt to the intensity of the opening laps.

As the race went on, he began to struggle with energy and wasn’t able to maintain the same level as in the first moto. Nevertheless, he pushed through fighting to stay inside the top ten. With 10 minutes to go Oriol unfortunately lost a few positions but continued battling all the way to the finish, bringing it home in fifteenth place.

Gyan Doensen: “Even though this weekend hurts it was a big step in the right direction. Saturday was strong coming from mid-pack to finish third and riding the first few laps without the clutch. Moto two started well getting up to second, but I had no flow and dropped back due to poor riding. I’m happy with my physical condition and speed on Saturday. It’s a shame about the second moto and missing out on the podium in the final corners. We live to fight another day and I’m not giving up, see you in Arco.”

Oriol Oliver: “It was nice to come back to Riola as it feels like little bit of a home GP for me, as I spent some preseason training on the island. Also last year I couldn’t race here because I was without a team so this year it felt good to race. I am happy with my starts and now I have worked during the week to make them consistent. Pace in both motos were good until I didn’t have more energy left, maybe I could have manage my rhythm better so I could have more to give towards the end of the moto. But I am here to learn as much as possible and this is a good way to do it, battle in front and learn from it. I appreciate all the team for their work let’s regroup and try again in Arco.”

Shaun Simpson - Team Manager: “It was a weekend with progress in the right direction, but we are still looking for more. Gyan felt at home in the deep sand and was in the mix at the front of both EMX250 races. It was great to be fighting for the podium this weekend, but it slipped away on the final lap. It will come, I know Gyan has more to give and it’s only a matter of time until it all clicks. Once again Oriol put himself in great positions at the start of both races out of the gate and rode brilliantly showing the pace is definitely there. He still needs to work on holding that pace to the end of the races and hold results in the top 10. It’s coming, but MXGP is a tough field, and you need to be on your A game until the flag. Looking forward to some hardpack next weekend in Arco.”