The Sidecar world championship is back, just like the Bridgestone PMR Cup. The Continental Cup, on the other hand, discovers the Bugatti circuit.
Fim Sidecar world championship: disappointment for world champions
This is the start of the season for the 22 competitors of the World Side-Car Championship. The first laps during the first free test session are precious: a time to take or resume its marks. Several pilots or changed “monkey” in the offseason, such as Markus Schlosser (#3) or Tristan Gadet (#51), to name a few. In 30 minutes, they have to find their automation and coordination because a first qualifying session is already waiting for them.
After barely 20 minutes, A provisional hierarchy is established. The best time goes to the Sam Christie / Tom Christie crew (Yamaha #34) which turns the first in 1’43”687. The first, because Markus Schlosser / Luca Schmidt (Yamaha #3) will then match performance to the nearest thousandth! Reigning world champion, the crew composed of the British Harry Payne and the French Kévin Rousseau only produced the 12th time of this first qualifying session.
See you tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. for the second qualifying session, then at 3:35 p.m. where the first race in the World Side-Car Championship will close the day on the Bugatti circuit.
Bridgestone PMR Cup: Thibaut Foray sets the tone during free tests
The Bridgestone PMR Cup launched its 2025 season this afternoon on the Bugatti circuit. A first 20 -minute bearings for the 29 competitors engaged in this championship which allows pilots with disabilities – paraplegics, amputees or suffering from a hemiplegia – to fully live their passion for competition. Worn since 2018 by the Handi Free Riders association, the PMR Cup is still this year divided into two categories: 16 drivers in 600cc, 13 in 1000cc.
On a dry track, Martin Horky (Yamaha #42) was the most quick to illustrate, by establishing a first reference in 1’48”420. But it is Thibaut Foray (Ducati #73), winner of one of the two races last year, who finally dominated the session with a turn in 1’47”803.
Behind, Nicolas Dandine (Honda #47), champion of France 600cc in 2021 and 2023 and now engaged in 1000cc, signs a third time promising in 1’50”439. He is ahead of Flavien Jamet (Suzuki #333), fourth in 1’50”610.
A 600cc, Antonio Montoya (Yamaha #43) takes advantage of its competitors by establishing a time of 1’54”634, The best in this category.
The serious things will start tomorrow morning from 9 am with the qualifying tests, before the first race scheduled at 2:35 p.m.
Continental Cup: Christian Haquin and Kevin Jacob lead the debates
For the first time in its history, the Continental Cup is among the 24 -hour motorcycles support races. This monotype formula sees the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650cc confronted with a standardized “GT Cup” kit, which guarantees the show on track. All pilots are welcome, regardless of their age, experience or level. On the handlebars of these 47.5 horsepower motorcycles, the participants’ objective is to have fun rather than chasing the time. The tray is divided into two distinct categories: the class Veterans is reserved for bikers 45 years and over and the class Scratch For those under 45.
Christian Haquin, on the Royal Enfield #35, immediately illustrated during the only free test session. Endurance fans have not forgotten this former 24 -hour motorcycle participant, accustomed to historical races and winner of the Classic Golden Bol. He is followed by Kevin Jacob (Royal Enfield #92), also from the 24 hours of motorcycles four times between 2015 and 2021.
Finally, Christian Haquin completes this session in the lead, and thus leads the veterans category. Kevin Jacob, best scratch, is second general, a second ahead of Paul Haquin (#10). David Bouvier (#2) and Jules Fourgeaud (#21) complete the top 5.
A little later, the 43 drivers took part in the first qualifying session. Shortly after the start, David Bouvier (#2) rose to the top of the time sheet, but a 2’03”607 by Christian Haquin the second.
Five minutes from the end, David Bouvier leads for only six thousandths. Kevin Jacob answers him and improves the reference in 2’02”396. In the last round, Christian Haquin passes second to eight tenths. He therefore remains leader in the veterans category.
The second qualifying session will take place tomorrow at 9:30 a.m., and the first race at 1:50 p.m.
