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Fantic Factory Racing MXGP has signed 23-year-old Estonian Jörgen-Matthias Talviku to replace the injured Alberto Forato. Talviku will race the Fantic XXF 450 alongside Brent Van Doninck at Lommel on August 2 after taking a career-best eighth in race two in Latvia this season.
From what I've seen in the paddock, Talviku's ability to adapt to the XXF 450 just before Lommel will decide everything. Eighth in Latvia's second race proves the speed, but deep sand changes the bike from corner entry to exit. He has little test time to turn Brent Van Doninck's data into feel at his own fingertips.
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Deep sand brings fatigue and crash risk. On an unfamiliar bike, I hope he builds the race safely instead of forcing the pace.
A fill-in ride is brief, but it can leave valuable data and an impression. I hope Forato recovers while Talviku makes this round count.
Changing bikes just before Lommel is a huge ask. He should be judged on his adaptation to the XXF 450, not only the result.
It is reassuring to know there was a test before the fill-in ride. I will watch the lap-by-lap pace as well as the finishing position.
Eighth in Latvia's second race gives a clear basis for the choice. The first useful comparison will be Brent Van Doninck.
Experience differs even on the same bike, so direct comparison needs care. It will still provide a valuable team benchmark.
A factory 450 opportunity at 23 is significant. I am excited to see how quickly Talviku adapts to Lommel's deep sand.
