Having taken a Superstock-category podium in the 24H SPA EWC Motos and battled for the class victory in the Bol d’Or before crashing out of the lead, OG Motorsport World Endurance Team is intent on impressing throughout the upcoming campaign.
The team, which is based in Reims in France, has retained experienced Italian rider Roberto Rolfo and emerging Japanese talent Cocoro Atsumi to ride its Dunlop-equipped Yamaha R1, while recruiting Ludovic Rizza to complete its promising line-up.
“We have worked very hard to get to this point,” Team Manager Fabrice Auger explained. “In 2022 we took the podium at Spa and led the Superstock category at the Bol d’Or until the 12th hour, so our goal is clearly to stand out throughout the 2023 season.”
A statement from OG Motorsport World Endurance Team explaining why it is renewing its EWC commitment read: “Beyond the passion that drives us all, this decision is motivated by the unfailing support of the technical partners and loyal financiers. Also, by the very good performances in 2022 despite an engine failure at Le Mans and the withdrawal due to a fall in the Bol d’Or.
“The evolution [of the team] is beginning to pay off and is expected to be successful in 2023. The team renews and strengthens its partnership with Yamaha France and the support of the passionate Bonneton 2 Roues in Aubenas (07).”
While 41-year-old Roberto Rolfo, a former 250cc world championship runner-up, and 26-year-old Cocoro Atsumi, who won the Superstock section in last year’s 43rd Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race, are familiar faces at OG Motorsport World Endurance Team, Ludovic Rizza is a new recruit. However, the 30-year-old brings strong pedigree to the EWC as the French Promosport 1000 champion. He was also part of the Metiss squad that finished 21st overall in last September’s Bol d’Or.
OG Motorsport World Endurance Team plans to reveal its colours and racing number in early March. Meanwhile, the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans in France forms the opening round of the 2023 EWC season from 13-16 April.