It’s victory for the Austrian team as Yamalube YART Yamah win the 24 Hours of Spa for 2023, taking the win from the FCC TSR Honda France outfit, with the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team in third.
Having secured pole position, the running start and a slight wheelie meant Martin Fritz entered the first turn in 10th before moving back up to a three-way battle for the lead. Saftey cars meant team-mates Karel Hanika and Niccolo Canepa weren’t able to extend an advantage until around 15 hours into the race. And despite a puncture for Fritz with five hours to go, the rear tyre was replaced without YART Yamaha losing the lead.
The performance means the YART team now lead the overall FIM EWC standings after two rounds, and is the first 24 hour win for the squad in 14 years, along with their first EWC victory since 2020 at the 12 Hours of Estoril.
the YART bike will be fielding a special livery. The final event of the EWC season takes place at Paul Ricard on September 14th-17th, for the Bol D’or.
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Jeremy Guarnoni Joins The 2022 BMW World Endurance Team
It’s three days of testing in Almeria, Spain as Jeremy Guarnoni joins the 2022 BMW World Endurance Team as they prepare for the new season of racing.
The 28-year-old Frenchman has been competing in the Endurance World Championship (EWC) since debuting at the 2012 Bol d’Or and became world champion in the 2018/2019 season. He’s also been crowned 2010 Superstock 600 European champion and raced in the Superstock 1000 championship, finishing third in the final standings on two occasions.
Guarnoni joins new teammates Markus Reiterberger, Ilya Mikhalchik and Kenny Foray on the #37 BMW M 1000 RR as the team look to improve on their debut season in 2021, which saw them claim victory in Most, and take second overall in the FIM EWC.
Jéremy Guarnoni: “I have a very good impression of the bike. The performance is really unbelievable, and I immediately felt good on it. I am also very happy with the team, which is very professional. I have a really good feeling about the mechanics, the crew chief and my team-mates. I already knew Ilya, Markus and Kenny as opponents, and now they are my team-mates. That is really cool. I am sure we can achieve great things next season, and I am looking forward to it.”
Markus Reiterberger: “Firstly, after a good season in 2021, we know exactly what we need to work on. I am very pleased that we still have a test this year. That is very important for us, as it allows us to lay important foundations for the coming year. I am pleased to be able to welcome Jéremy – another strong rider and a former world champion – to the team. The first day of testing was really tiring for everyone, as it was very cold and there was a lot to test. We got through most of the programme, but there are still a few important things to do. The initial impressions are definitely promising. With the improvements we can still make, I believe we will be able to make up that one position we missed out on this season. I am very confident and pleased to be part of the team.”
Ilya Mikhalchik: “It feels really good to be able to start preparations for 2022 this year. Firstly, I would like to welcome our new team member, Jéremy. I hope we can achieve some good results together. He is a very experienced endurance rider and I think we will learn a lot from each other. I am very happy to be riding with him in the team and on this bike. We have made a few improvements. I think we have a good overall package, with which we can win. We showed that in the last race. We are now testing a few things, to give ourselves an even better chance. I believe we have the potential to challenge at the top next year.”
Kenny Foray: “Our winter test is very early, but that is very good for us. The new bike is even better than the old one. It is really enjoyable to ride. I am hoping for a really good year for the whole team. If I am able to contribute to us improving, then I am definitely ready.”
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