After a nail-biting race at the renowned Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, the Austrian team YART Yamaha Official EWC, running on Bridgestone tyres, emerged victorious in the 24H SPA EWC Motos. This remarkable achievement marks the end of a 14-year wait for the team, finally securing their first 24-hour win since 2009.
Niccolò Canepa (Italy), Marvin Fritz (Germany), and Karel Hanika (Czech Republic) were the team members of YART Yamaha during this historic victory. Despite a slow start, YART managed to find their pace and were engaged in a fierce battle for the lead. Initially, F.C.C. TSR Honda France took the lead, but after 16 hours, YART took charge. Exhaust issues forced F.C.C. TSR Honda France into a costly five-minute pit stop, giving YART the opportunity to surge ahead. Even a damaged rear tyre just before the 19-hour mark couldn’t halt the team, as it was swiftly replaced in the pits. YART remained determined and pushed full throttle, ultimately achieving the long-awaited victory. This win holds great significance for the team, who were determined to secure another 24-hour race win since their triumph at Le Mans in 2009.
However, it was also an exceptional day for all teams running on Bridgestone tyres. Not only did YART claim the victory, but F.C.C TSR Honda France and Yoshimura SERT Motul also engaged in a battle for the lead at certain points during the race, ultimately finishing in 2nd and 4th place respectively.
The F.C.C. TSR Honda France team once again showcased their strong competitiveness. After an intense battle with other teams, Josh Hook, Alan Techer, and Mike Di Meglio managed to lead the Spa classification after 8 hours. Despite encountering exhaust issues that resulted in a costly pit stop, they persevered and secured the second podium spot, reaffirming their dedication to racing at the highest level.
The Yoshimura SERT Motul team, featuring riders Sylvain Guintoli, Gregg Black, and Etienne Masson, faced some setbacks during the race but remained resilient and determined to carry on. In the first hour, Sylvain Guintoli made a costly mistake when entering the pit lane. Subsequently, the team was hit with a stop-and-go penalty due to contact with another team. Despite these challenges, Yoshimura SERT Motul displayed character and continued to fight until the end. They finished fourth, showcasing their ability to perform even in difficult conditions.
Next up this season it’s the 8 hour race at Suzuka from 4th – 6th August, where regular teams will compete alongside many hungry factory-backed and privateer teams from Japan all eager to get on the podium.
