GMT94 kicks off the 4th round of the WorldSSP World Championship and the 3rd round of the WorldWCR this weekend, taking place from 1 to 3 May at the Balaton Park circuit in Hungary. After a solid start to the season, the French team currently sits in third place in the standings with 95 points. It is an encouraging position that the team will be keen to consolidate on a track with which they are still relatively unfamiliar.
A technical and unusual circuit
Located in Hungary, the Balaton Park circuit is 4.075 km long and features 17 corners, including 10 left-handers and 7 right-handers.
This modern circuit is notable for its technical nature, with numerous sequences of corners that demand precision and consistency. The pace is fast, and the ability to link the corners smoothly will be crucial in making the difference. It is a demanding circuit, where set-up and confidence in cornering will play a key role.
A technical context to watch out for
As this round approaches, GMT94 has set clear objectives: to see both its riders finish in the points in each of the weekend’s races. With 4 races on the schedule, consistency will be key, whilst remaining on the lookout for a chance to secure a podium finish.
Nevertheless, the team has to contend with a specific technical situation. The Yamaha R9 has great potential, but is currently hampered by certain regulatory restrictions, particularly in terms of weight (an additional 5kg) and engine revs. This is a situation shared by all Yamaha teams, and one that directly affects their competitiveness against certain rivals.
There may be some changes in the near future, but in the meantime, GMT94 will have to make the most of its current package. On a circuit like Balaton, where raw power is less of a deciding factor, the team is counting on its strengths to stay in contention.
The riders face the Hungarian challenge
As for Lucas Mahias, his approach is clear-headed. The Frenchman has never felt particularly at ease on this track, where he already encountered difficulties last season. Despite this, he is approaching this weekend determined to maximise his performance and continue to rack up valuable championship points.
Roberto Garcia, on the other hand, arrives brimming with confidence. The Spaniard is particularly fond of the Balaton Park circuit, whose layout suits his riding style well. Building on a positive experience last year, he is clearly aiming to improve and does not rule out challenging for the top positions.
Finally, Lucie Boudesseul will approach this round with a focus on hard work. After a difficult experience here last year, the French rider is keen, above all, to improve on a track she considers very technical. Her aim will be to improve her feel for the bike and build momentum throughout the weekend.
WorldSBK weekend schedule in Hungary (France time)
Friday, 1st May :
- 09:00 – 09:25 : R3 bLU cRU Champ – FP
- 09:40 – 10:05 : WorldWCR – FP
- 10:20 – 11:05 : WorldSBK – FP1
- 11:20 – 12:00 : WorldSSP – FP
- 13:30 – 13:55 : R3 bLU cRU Champ – Superpole
- 14:10 – 14:35 : WorldWCR – Superpole
- 15:00 – 15:45 : WorldSBK – FP2
- 16:00 – 16:40 : WorldSSP – Superpole
Saturday, 2nd May :
- 09:00 – 09:10 : WorldWCR – WUP 1
- 09:20 – 09:30 : WorldSSP – WUP 1
- 09:40 – 10:00 : WorldSBK – FP3
- 10:20 : R3 bLU cRU Champ – Race 1
- 11:15 – 11:30 : WorldSBK – Superpole
- 13:00 : WorldWCR – Race 1
- 14:00 : WorldSSP – Race 1
- 15:30 : WorldSBK – Race 1
Sunday, 3rd May :
- 09:00 – 09:10 : WorldWCR – WUP 2
- 09:20 – 09:30 : WorldSBK – WUP
- 09:40 – 09:50 : WorldSSP – WUP 2
- 10:10 : R3 bLU cRU Champ – Race 2
- 11:10 : WorldSBK – Superpole Race
- 13:00 : WorldWCR – Race 2
- 14:00 : WorldSSP – Race 2
- 15:30 : WorldSBK – Race 2
Where to follow the races ?
The races can be watched live on Eurosport (via HBO / HBO Max), as well as on the official WorldSBK VideoPass. The WorldWCR races will also be broadcast on Canal+.
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GMT94 is therefore approaching this round in Hungary with determination, keen to build on its recent form and stay in touch with the league leaders.