HRC factory rider, Tom Vialle is a rider who sits high in the all-time GP winners list. Not surprisingly, as a two-time world MX2 champion, his tally of 25 GP victories places him only behind Jeffrey Herlings (116), Tim Gajser (52) and Romain Febvre (27) in current riders and for all-time GP winners, his place is amongst names like Jeff Smith (25) and Alessio Chiodi (26). Not bad company for the young 25-year-old Frenchman.

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Vialle, who returned to action after injury, last weekend in Italy, with impressive results. His starts were excellent and his speed was good for 99% of the racing, but a couple of small mistakes cost him some points. If it wasn’t for that though, he would have been just off the podium, which after missing a couple of rounds is an excellent return. Now, having shaken off the rust, he can really attack at a track (Agueda) he has won at previously.

“Italy was a tough race to comeback for, just because the racing was so intense all the time. There was never a moment to rest or relax so that was tough, but overall it was a good one and I’m glad to have done it and just get the race feeling back. I have won in Portugal before, so I know I can go fast here, and I think if I can get two good starts, I have will be able to run the pace and do even better than in Italy.”

His Montevachi Experience

Vialle can consider this a successful return to action after missing the last five GP motos, with the Frenchman going five-nine for seventh overall. Things could have been even better, except for a small tip-over near the end of race two, which dropped him a few spots. Still, it was good to see him back battling at the front of the field and he’ll looking forward to these upcoming rounds.

“I think it was a good comeback this weekend overall. There were a couple of moments that I’d like to take back but for the most part, there were a lot of positives to take into Portugal next weekend. I got a good start in race one, almost getting the holeshot next to Jeffrey and then I think it was just a little bit of race-rust that stopped me finishing higher up. Still, it was good to back on the line and I’m excited to progress in all these upcoming GPs.”

On the Saturday in Italy, Vialle was one of the guys Herlings passed, but it was still a good performance from the Frenchman after missing the last couple of GPs through injury. It certainly wasn’t the easiest place to comeback on, but he got a good jump out of the gate and then fought hard, ending up in ninth place.

“I think it was a pretty decent day, considering I haven’t raced in a few weeks. I got off to a good jump but just couldn’t quite turn that into the lead around the first bend and from then on it was just a full-on battle. It was very intense racing and that didn’t make it easy but I think tomorrow should be a bit better as I get more and more comfortable.”

Now onto Portugal and Agueda and no doubt, this two time world champion will be looking on growing his confidence since his return and maybe even shooting for a podium finish in the very tough MXGP class. Agueda was kind to Vialle in 2022, with a GP victory and no doubt, his skills will again suit the technical, red sand in Portugal.