Describing the EWC as a “top-level championship” and “serious game”, the 32-year-old joins the Yamaha-supported operation that already boasts his fellow Italian Claudio Corti and young Frenchman Corentin Perolari in its rider line-up.

“Even if I’ve been racing in WSSP, STK1000 and WSBK for many years, I’ve been thinking of endurance for several years,” said Tamburini. “And year after year, it becomes clearer that a 24-hour race is a race to experience for any true lover of motorcycle racing. The EWC is a top-level championship. It is a serious game. If you check the starting grid, you can see many factory teams and a big pack of world-class riders. The level is impressive. And the sports challenge too.

“During only one 24-hour race, we complete about 8-10 WSBK sprint races. I guess that it must be exciting and exhausting. So I found out that the key point to enjoy a season in EWC seems to find a competitive package.

“I’ve done many seasons in STK1000 and WSBK with the Yamaha R1. And as any Italian rider I know very well and like the Pirelli tyres and the Brembo brakes. Moto Ain is a Yamaha-supported team. They use Pirelli tyres and Brembo callipers and pads. So on paper, their R1 is quite similar to the R1 I rode last year in World Superbikes. The only differences are the bigger 24-litre fuel tank, the heavier weight and the ergonomics, which must be the same for three riders. But I feel pretty comfortable on this EWC R1.

“We have done several tests on track and the lap times are quite encouraging. These datas make me feel confident about this new big challenge. But I will be a rookie. Le Mans is going to be my first 24-hour race. I have never raced during the night, neither at Spa and nor at [Circuit Paul Ricard]. I count on Claudio, Corentin and on all the others team members. By sharing their experiences, I could improve really fast, and together we could be able to achieve nice races. So let’s see what will happen.”

Photo: Facebook.com/RobertoTamburini02