Smith brings more MotoGP pedigree to EWC as MOTO AIN’s determination is rewarded

*Yamaha-powered privateer team announces Bradley Smith for 24 Heures Motos bid

*Italian Corti and young French talent Perolami complete line-up for EWC opener

*Team boss Chapuis: “We have a very good trio of riders”

MOTO AIN is ready to race on in the FIM Endurance World Championship after securing a top trio of riders for the 2022 season-opening 24 Heures Motos led by former MotoGP racer Bradley Smith.

Briton Smith, who has never previously competed in an EWC day and night race, joins French promise Corentin Perolari and experienced Italian Claudio Corti in MOTO AIN’s new-look Formula EWC line-up.

The announcement, made following the Pre-Test for next month’s 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans this week, marks the end of a tough period for the French team, which stepped up to the EWC’s headlining category last season.

Pierre Chapuis, the MOTO AIN Team Director, explained: “Each year I try to progress. Last season we managed to pass the milestone of the EWC category with great results, including a second place at the Bol d’Or. But the EWC category is much more demanding than the Superstock category.

“This winter, everything was very, very complicated, the worst off-season since the creation of the team. But, fortunately, several members of the team supported me to continue the project in 2022 and partners such as Yamaha, Dafy and Ipone have also responded. I am really happy to have overcome all the obstacles to be on the starting line.”

Chapuis continued: “We have a very good trio of riders for the 24 Heures Motos. In the first tests the three riders lapped in the same second and all have a good rhythm. This allows us to develop the bike settings for all three riders at the same time. It’s very positive.

“We remain on the proven basis of the Yamaha R1 of last year. We know that we are lacking in pure performance, but with our limited resources as a private team, we have to make choices, and I prefer to bet on our strengths, which are consistency and reliability. We can’t wait to see what it can do on the track.”

EWC rookie Smith ready to do something “crazy”

Bradley Smith, a podium finisher in all four classes of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, won the EWC-counting Suzuka 8 Hours for Yamaha in 2015. A three-time winner in the 125cc World Championship, Smith has raced extensively on the Bugatti Circuit at Le Mans.

“I’ve been racing from a young age and for the past two decades, I‘ve been focused on reaching MotoGP, which is the ultimate racing championship,” said Smith, 31. “I am pretty happy with what I have achieved, but as a true lover of motorcycle racing, I also look around for other competitions. The 24 Heures Motos is one of the most famous endurance races around the world and the idea of racing for 24 hours non-stop seems to be a bit crazy if I’m honest. Last winter, when Pierre presented this opportunity to race at Le Mans, it caught my curiosity and I thought, ‘why not’? We have done several tests in Spain and the lap times were encouraging. The technical base of the Yamaha R1 is good, even if we miss some factory parts compared to our rivals. Fortunately, I’ve found some room in my diary, and I’m excited for this challenge. I’m sure it will be tough but also nice to experience the event for the first time. Even if I already know the track from racing in the French Grand Prix, everything else is going to be new for me.”

Corti set to achieve long-term aim with MOTO AIN

Like Bradley Smith, Claudio Corti has considerable experience at Grand Prix level having competed in Moto2 and MotoGP. While the 24 Heures Motos is an unknown quantity for the 34-year-old Italian, it’s a race he’s wanted to contest for a number of years.

“The 24 Heures Motos is such an iconic motorcycle event,” Corti said. “It has always been on my rider bucket list. Every rider should experience that, at least once in their lifetime and this is why I am very excited to race here. MOTO AIN is one of the best private teams, just behind the factory teams. It has provided a very competitive package for me. The R1 is reliable and safe. Even, if they are all volunteers, each member of the team is really committed to racing. I think we will be able to compete against the other private teams and not so far behind the factory one. As a team we will do our very best.”

Perolari continues MOTO AIN adventure

French talent Corentin Perolari, 23, is no stranger to MOTO AIN having contested last October’s 6 Hours of Most. He’s relishing the opportunity to work with two experienced riders. “I joined MOTO AIN for the last event of the 2021 season. The team was impressive with two ex-MotoGP riders, Randy de Puniet and Loris Baz. For 2022, it seemed difficult to do better and it is always complicated for a private team to bring in world-class endurance riders. You have to face refusals, find slots in the agendas, make compromises but never lose sight of your goal. Again, Pierre has taken up this challenge. As a rider, I appreciate this approach. I’m really happy to welcome Claudio and Bradley. They are experienced, fast and proven but they will have to discover 24-hour endurance racing, including riding at night, which is the great unknown. But we can’t wait to see what we can do on the Bugatti Circuit.”

While Corti and Perolari will race with MOTO AIN for the full EWC season, Smith’s agreement is currently for the 24 Heures Motos due to other scheduled commitments.

YART Yamaha Ready for 2022 Le Mans After Topping FIM EWC Test

The YART Yamaha EWC Team enjoyed a successful two days of testing at the Bugatti Circuit, as it gears up for the 2022 Le Mans 24 Heures Motos, the season opener of the FIM Endurance World Championship, which takes place on 16-17 April.

With riders Niccolò Canepa, Marvin Fritz, Karel Hanika, and reserve rider Robin Mulhauser, the Austrian outfit dominated the timings throughout the test, topping all four sessions and completing 264 laps of the 4.185 km circuit on board the #7 Yamaha R1 machine.

On the opening day, the YART Yamaha squad was fastest out of the blocks, setting a 1’35.807 lap time, which would give them the top spot by the end of the day. With 142 laps complete, the rain ended Tuesday’s running early but the riders were pleased with the set-up and electronic improvements.

The wet weather returned on Wednesday morning, but it provided a good opportunity for YART Yamaha to test the electronic package in the rain. They once again managed to go fastest in the morning session, and on the dry track in the afternoon the team could improve their fastest time to a 1’35.707, having run 122 laps.

The YART Yamaha squad will return to the Bugatti Circuit for another test just before the 45th edition of the Le Mans 24 Heures Motos.

Niccolò Canepa

YART Yamaha EWC Team Rider

“It went very well, we were on top in every session, dry and wet, so we are really confident. We had some improvements, trying new Brembo callipers and master cylinders that worked well. We worked a lot on the electronics and found some good engine brake settings. The lap times were really good, so I am looking forward to the first race of the season here.”

Marvin Fritz

YART Yamaha EWC Team Rider

“Today and yesterday went well, despite the weather. Conditions got a little hotter in the afternoon and it made it a bit difficult, but today we found some ways to improve this. We were very fast in the end and the team did a fantastic job to prepare the bike, while we also made some big step forwards with the electronics. Each of the riders did a great job as well. It couldn’t have gone much better and now we have to look forward to the race. We are prepared for all conditions and our lap times show that we’re in a good position, it could have been even faster, but we’re really happy.”

Karel Hanika

YART Yamaha EWC Team Rider

“The test was really good, great to be back here in Le Mans. It has felt like being at home since we arrived, and since the first day we’ve felt very good. We had to work on different set-ups with the tyres when the weather changes. It’s positive to be able to ride in both the wet and dry, and overall we made some steps especially with the electronics. There was some room to improve in that area and step-by-step we have reached our goals in the end. Really looking forward to the race weekend, my teammates did a great job, we improved our speed and I think we won every session. This shows our bike is working really well and the team are doing a great job. It was an important test, we still have a lot of work ahead to make sure we’re competitive across the weekend, but I can’t wait to get going.”

Robin Mulhauser

YART Yamaha EWC Team Reserve Rider

“I’m learning the bike and the team step-by-step, every component is very new for me. The package is just amazing, the tyres, suspension, electronics, the people working on the bike, it is all very professional and new for me. I’m getting used to it and I want to thank the team for the confidence they put in me, as well as my teammates for the help and tips they gave. I think the team is completely ready for the 24 Hours.”

Andrew Pitt

YART Yamaha EWC Team Crew Chief

“We had some mixed weather today, but yesterday in the better conditions the lap times were coming really easy, even with some issues we were working through. We were trying to identify which were the right tyres for the track temperatures, plus some things we had to improve with the electronics on the engine brake side, and traction control. We started with a wet track today, and we had a good feeling straightaway. When we went into the dry conditions, we were able to make some good steps and the riders were happy with everything. The track never actually completely dried out today, so the pace was very good considering this. The only thing left to do is the one-hour stints on the Tuesday test before the event, but all-in-all the riders are very happy and the pace is coming quick. The boys were fastest in all conditions, so I think this was a really useful test overall and bring on race week!”

More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki Press Office:

POSITIVE LE MANS TEST FOR YOSHIMURA SERT MOTUL

Reigning World Champion Yoshimura Suzuki Endurance Racing Team Motul have been on track at the Bugatti Circuit in France yesterday and today to test ahead the 24 Heures Motos on April 16th.

The team, which has won numerous races at the circuit, focused on technical innovations and learning about the new tyres supplied by Bridgestone.

Held behind closed doors, pre-Mans testing allows the various teams to work on the bike’s configuration, adapt new parts and get a feel for their bikes before the season-opening race.

After an outstanding 2021 season, there were no changes in the team. The #1 Suzuki GSX-R1000R is back with its three experienced riders Gregg Black, Sylvain Guintoli and Xavier Simeon. And even if they knew the track perfectly, the tricky weather conditions of the Sarthe region are always a source of learning.

The time spent on track was not for pure performance but for working on the race pace and adapting the settings to the new tyres. And for this, a first sunny day and then a second wet day perfectly simulated the changing weather conditions that could be expected during the 24 Heures Motos.

The consistency of the riders and the good impressions following the improvements developed in Japan were confirmed. But a crash by Black at the end of the first day prevented him riding the next day. Thanks to a sunny spell, Guintoli and Simeon improved the team’s time by setting the third fastest time of the second day of testing at 1’36’250.

Yoshimura SERT Motul, the winner of the 2021 24 Heures Motos, confirmed its ambitions to defend its title and to be at the front.

Yohei Kato – Team Director:

“We confirmed our pace on the first day by using the new features brought for the 2022 season. We are happy because everything works well on this track. Bridgestone provided us with new specification tyres, so we focused some of our work on that. Unfortunately Gregg suffered a heavy crash but should be fully recovered for the race. The rain on the second day allowed us to keep learning the tyres in more difficult conditions.”

Damien Saulnier – Team Manager:

“We had two completely different days with track conditions that are likely to be encountered during the race. During the first dry day, we were able to try a lot of things that Yoshimura had prepared during the winter tests with Kazuki Watanabe, which proved to be positive. The reunion with the whole team was very nice because we didn’t see each other all winter long! The only drawback of the day was Gregg’s fall at the end of the afternoon. Then the mixed weather conditions of the second day, with a greasy track in the morning, were used to prepare for the race. In particular, we worked on the usage limits of rain tyres and slicks and rotated the riders so that they could adapt to these delicate conditions. As the track dried at the end of the day, we were able to set some fast laps and improve on the previous day’s lap times.”

Sylvain Guintoli:

“It’s a good test for us. It was my first time on the bike since the final in Most (Czech Republic) so it was good to test the new stuff. We worked mainly on the new tyres and the rear of the bike. We are also happy that we could ride in all conditions; hot on the first day and wet/ dry on the second day to be ready for the race.”

Gregg Black:

“The first day went well, in dry conditions with sunshine. We were able to set good lap times on relay tyres, so in race conditions. We are quite satisfied with the new settings and the evolutions on the bike. It bodes well for the race. I had the only opportunity of the day to start on new tyres to do a fast lap but I had a high side between the Dunlop bend and the Chapelle corner. It was a pretty fast crash and then it started to rain. Having a little pain in my ankle I didn’t ride the second day to recover and be in shape for the race.”

Xavier Siméon:

“It was two very productive days for us! The weather conditions were peculiar; we were lucky to do the first day almost 100% dry but it was rather wet/ dry conditions for the second. We were able to validate a lot of things because in endurance racing, the race does not stop with the rain and we have to take the right decision at the right time. This test also confirms the good feeling we had in Almeria in February. The package is still very good and we are on the same wavelength with Sylvain and Gregg about the settings, so I think we are ready for the race. I can’t wait for it to start!”

More, from a press release issued by BMW Motorrad Motorsport:

BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team enters final phase of preparations for 2022 season of the FIM EWC with tests at Le Mans.

Markus Reiterberger, Ilya Mikhalchik, Jérémy Guarnoni and Kenny Foray take part in two days of testing with the #37 BMW M 1000 RR at Le Mans.

Season gets underway with the 24 Hours of Le Mans over Easter weekend.

Werner Daemen: “I think we are very well prepared for the race.”

 
Le Mans. The countdown is on to the start of the 2022 season of the FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC). BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team has started the final phase of preparations with two days of testing at Le Mans (FRA). The team and its four riders Markus Reiterberger (GER), Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR), Jérémy Guarnoni (FRA) and Kenny Foray (FRA) worked their way through an intensive testing programme with the #37 BMW M 1000 RR.

Over the winter break, BMW Motorrad Motorsport and BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team made further optimisations to the #37 BMW M 1000 RR in many areas. This improved the performance of the engine and optimised fuel consumption, which is key in endurance racing. There have also been innovations in terms of suspension, brakes and cooling. These various areas were evaluated in-depth during testing at Le Mans.

The 2022 season of the FIM EWC gets underway with the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA) over the Easter weekend (16th/17th April). The 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) is scheduled for 4th/5th June, and the 8 Hours of Suzuka (JPN) returns to the FIM EWC calendar on 7th August. The Bol d’Or at Le Castellet (FRA) will be held on 17th/18th September. A fifth race event is being planned.

Quotes after the Le Mans test.
 
Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “It was a really good test. We almost went through our full test programme. We did one very fast lap time but as always we mainly focused on long distance tests and we found everything we were looking for. We just had some minor technical issues that we could solve for the race weekend. We still have some small things to do in the free practice just before the race but in general I am happy with everything, including our new rider and new team members. The bikes were really well prepared by the technical crew – better than ever! Together with our tyre partner Dunlop and BMW power we are very happy and I think we are very well prepared for the race.”

Jérémy Guarnoni: “It has been really two good days of testing because we got some dry action but also rode in the wet. So we could try the bike in absolutely all conditions and that is really important in view of a 24-hour race. The bike was good in the wet and we have a great pace also in the dry. We still have some work to do, especially to prepare for the fast lap time in qualifying where we still have a lot of potential. Overall, I am happy with this test and I think the package riders, team and motorcycle can fight for the win. We just need to work a little bit more during race week and try to do our best.”

Markus Reiterberger: “It was great to be back at the race track with the entire team after the winter. It also was nice to ride the bike with what I think is the most stunning design we have ever had. Is has been two productive days. As expected, the weather was changeable but we were able to ride more in the dry than we thought. We started our test program yesterday in the dry, tested many parts and got mileage on them. We did a lot of set-up work overnight and were able to confirm that with a good feeling this morning in mixed conditions. We were always at the front on rain tyres, intermediates and slicks. But we didn’t go chasing times and then it started raining hard at the end. But we were at the forefront there, too. We have great pace and a good base to fight for victory here at Le Mans. We only have a few small things to work on, but we’ll use the time until the race. We definitely have a lot of potential and I’m looking forward to a great time in a few weeks.”

Ilya Mikhalchik: “It was a good test. Regarding the weather, we had all conditions, with wet, intermediate and dry so we could test things under all conditions. I felt quite good on the bike and we also made some steps from last year, especially in race trim so we are well prepared. Maybe we were not the fastest at this test but this is not the main thing at the moment. Now I am looking forward to return to Le Mans for the race weekend in a few weeks. We keep working and try to do our best.”

Kenny Foray: “The test was a good preparation for the 24-hour race and the season. There have been many further developments on the bike and it was good that we were able to try them in all conditions. It has been busy two days and we learnt and confirmed a lot. It was great to be back at the track with the team and my team-mates Markus, Ilya and Jérémy. Of course we still can improve in some areas and that will be our focus until the big race. I can’t wait to be back at Le Mans soon.”

More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:

F.C.C. TSR Honda France fourth fastest at Le Mans test

The final countdown is underway to start the 2022 FIM Endurance World Championship. Honda’s endurance teams completed two days of testing at the Bugatti Circuit at Le Mans this week (29-30 March), with 48 teams attending the Pre-Test.

F.C.C. TSR Honda France, with the Frenchman Mike Di Meglio, Australian Josh Hook and the new British rider British Gino Rea who has joined the factory Honda team this season, clocked the fourth quickest time, with a lap time of 1:36.222 around the 4.185 kilometre French track.

It was a very positive test for the Honda team which collected valuable data regarding electronics, chassis and tyre settings with very consistent laps and good race pace.

With different weather conditions during the two days of testing, F.C.C. TSR Honda France topped the second-best time on day 1 aboard the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, on a cold and cloudy track.

On day 2, as morning sessions were in damp conditions left by overnight rain, the Honda #5 preferred to wait until the track was dried and tested during afternoon sessions, but the lap time was not improved, ending the Pre-test in fourth position.

Privateers RAC 41 Chromeburner, with a solid base for this season, same riders line up, Chris Leesch, Grégory Fastré and Wayne Tessels and same mechanics, ended the two-days test in sixth place on the timesheets in the Superstock category.  The runner up team at the Bol d’Or race last season is very happy with the work done by the team, finding a good pace setting with Dunlop tyres in the Fireblade ready to fight for podiums this season.

Honda’s Superstock contenders National Motos, counts on a renewed three-rider line up, Swiss brothers Sebastien and Valentin Suchet and Frenchman Guillaume Raymond. The Honda #55 had some transponder issues during the test, but the French team had a good pace during both days of testing, and they will be targeting top positions in the Superstock category aboard the Fireblade SP.

Honda teams are ready to tackle the first race of the 2022 season, the 24 Heures Motos, which starts at 3 pm (CEST) on Saturday 16 April and finishes at 3 pm (CEST) on Sunday 17 April.

Gino Rea 5

F.C.C. TSR Honda France

”It has been a very positive test. Yesterday we did a lot of positive work on electronics, the chassis and tyre setting with different compounds for different conditions and got into work with the whole team. We are trying to do a consistent pace that is really good for us, and our race pace is very good. We are going in the right direction with the bike and looking forward to the race.”

Josh Hook 5

F.C.C. TSR Honda France

”It was a very good test for us. We were fast straight away with the Honda bike working very well with new Bridgestone tyres that seem to suit our bike better than last year. All three riders are very fast and consistent, and we can make a tyre last a long time. We are really looking forward to Le Mans race.”

Mike Di Meglio 5

F.C.C. TSR Honda France

”It was a very positive 2 days of testing; we worked a lot on the bike during the test with the electronics and the settings to find the correct information, and now we are ready for Le Mans 24 Heures.”