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16 April 2024

EWC glory chase awaits “further optimised” BMW

The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team starts the 2024 FIM Endurance World Championship with new riders and renewed hope following an extensive winter of testing and development.As well as counting on long-term riders Illya Mykhalchyk and Markus Reiterberger, Werner Daemen’s Belgium-based squad has signed 2021 EWC title winner Sylvain Guintoli and reserve rider Hannes Soomer, a 26-year-old prospect from Estonia.Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director, said: “We are entering the FIM EWC 2024 well prepared and with great confidence. Over the winter, our engineers, together with our technical partners, have further optimised the #37 BMW M 1000 RR as a complete package in many areas, from the power unit to the chassis and electronics to the exhaust system, brakes, and tyres. 

16 April 2024

Why six appeals for EWC’s Leblanc

Grégory Leblanc starts this week’s FIM Endurance World Championship season opener chasing a new record.With five victories in the 24 Heures Motos to his name, Leblanc has already set the standard for the most wins. However, his tally is matched by Alex Vieira, who also took five wins in the EWC event during his career, making a sixth victory a clear target for the 38-year-old Frenchman.Leblanc said: “The target is to fight for the victory because when you ride for a factory team honestly you fight for the victory. I won Le Mans five times with Kawasaki and I would like to win another time for the record. “In the Pre-Test the track conditions were not perfect but I am confident because this track is not bad for the Pirelli tyres and the Kawasaki bike. However, in a 24-hour race we need to be lucky, we need no crash, no technical problems and if we have nothing we can finish on the podium. “Le Mans is always special with the weather because in April we can have 30 degrees or the full race in rain but I prefer for the show and the fans that all is dry.”Leblanc forms part of the Kawasaki Webike Trickstar line-up alongside Román Ramos and Christian Gamarino, who helped Team 33 Louit April Moto win the Superstock-based 2023 FIM Endurance World Cup.

15 April 2024

EWC 24 Heures Motos facts and stats

The 2024 FIM Endurance World Championship is almost here. And here are some stats and facts to guide you through the 24 Heures Motos.ESSENTIALS:Where: Bugatti CircuitLocation: Automobile Club de l’Ouest - Circuit des 24 Heures, 72000 Le Mans, FranceWhen: 18-21 April 2024Track length: 4.185 kilometresRace distance: 24 hoursBEST LAPS:Qualifying: Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team (Karel Hanika, 1m34.878s, 2022)Race: BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team (Illya Mykhalchyk, 1m36.751s, 2023)IN 100 WORDS:Rather than the 13.626-kilometre Circuit de La Sarthe, the traditional EWC curtain-raiser takes place on the 4.185-kilometre Bugatti Circuit. The demanding layout comes complete with the famous Le Mans start/finish straight, Dunlop Esses and Ford Chicane, while a twisty infield ensures there’s little respite. Riders also face the prospect of shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures during the night and early morning. Although the inaugural 24 Heures Motos took place in 1978, when Jean-Claude Chemarin and Christian Léon rode a Honda to victory, the ACO staged its first motorbike race in 1912, long before the Bugatti Circuit’s September 1966 inauguration.FAST FACTS:*The first 24 Heures Motos took place from 22-23 April 1978 with Jean-Claude Chemarin and Christian Léon riding a Honda to victory.*It followed the Bol d’Or – the other French 24-hour classic bike race appearing on the EWC schedule – relocating to Circuit Paul Ricard after the 1977 event.*However, event organiser, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, staged its first race for motorbikes in 1912, long before the Bugatti Circuit’s inauguration in September 1966.*After starting at 14h00 local time in 2020 and 2021, the 2022 edition of the 24 Heures Motos was flagged-off at 15h00.*As well as hosting the EWC, Circuit Bugatti is home to the Grand Prix de France MotoGP.RECENT WINNERS:2023: F.C.C. TSR Honda France (Josh Hook, Mike De Meglio, Alan Techer) 827 laps2022: Yoshimura SERT Motul (Gregg Black, Xavier Siméon, Sylvain Guintoli) 840 laps2021: Yoshimura SERT Motul (Gregg Black, Xavier Siméon, Sylvain Guintoli) 855 laps2020: F.C.C. TSR Honda France (Josh Hook, Freddy Foray, Mike De Meglio) 816 laps2019: Team SRC Kawasaki France (Jérémy Guarnoni, David Checa, Erwan Nigon) 839 laps

15 April 2024

EWC Take Five with Josh Hook

Part of the F.C.C. TSR Honda France line-up that won the 24 Heures Motos in 2023, Josh Hook is not only aiming for a repeat win in Le Mans, he’s also bidding to complete the 2024 FIM Endurance World Championship with a second EWC title in three years. Ahead of Circuit Bugatti hosting the season-opening race from 18-21 April, 31-year-old Australian rider Hook talks belief, first-corner crashes, numb fingers, riding through the pain barrier following shoulder surgery and more.

15 April 2024

It’s race week in the EWC!

It’s race week in the FIM Endurance World Championship with the start of the 2024 EWC season just days away.From this Thursday, the 47th edition of the 24 Heures Motos forms the opening event of the new campaign.And here's a reminder of the key timings for the days ahead:Wednesday 17 April15h00: Parade from Circuit Bugatti to Place des Jacobins, Le Mans16h00 (approx.): Official team and rider presentation (Place des Jacobins, Le Mans)Thursday 18 April:10h00-12h00: Free Practice16h00-16h20: First Qualifying (Blue Riders)16h30-16h50: First Qualifying (Yellow Riders)17h00-17h20: First Qualifying (Red Riders)17h30-17h50: First Qualifying (Green Riders)20h30-22h00: Night PracticeFriday 19 April:10h20-10h40: Second Qualifying (Blue Riders)10h50-11h10: Second Qualifying (Yellow Riders)11h20-11h40: Second Qualifying (Red Riders)11h50-12h10: Second Qualifying (Green Riders)12h15-12h25: Pole position photo sessions12h45: Post-qualifying press conference (Briefing Room 305)Saturday 20 April:10h30-11h15: Warm-up15h00: Start of 47th 24 Heures MotosSunday 21 April:15h00: Finish of 47th 24 Heures Motos15h10: Podium ceremony15h30: Post-race press conference (Briefing Room 305)