The Yamaha #1 of the YART-Yamaha team, author of pole position with an average time of 1’34”868, made strong impression from the tests. Drivers Marvin Fritz, Karel Hanika and Niccolo Canepa showed the extent of their talent and the speed of the Yamaha R1. The Italian driver also signed the best lap in the race in 1’37”791. The Austrian team led the race from third to the 15th hour, but victory eluded them in the early morning following a fall by Karel Hanika at the S Bleus corner, marking a decisive turning point for the race.
Yoshimura SERT Motul as master
The great success of this edition can be attributed to the Suzuki #12 of Yoshimura SERT Motul, which allowed Suzuki to win its 15th victory at the Le Mans classic. A record which allows the Japanese manufacturer to surpass Kawasaki and Honda in the list of the most victorious brands. Led by Gregg Black, Etienne Masson et Dan Linfootthe GSX-R 1000 #12 did not have an easy ride. Indeed, after a fall by Gregg Black during the third hour, followed by a breakage of the selector link at the start of the night, the team was able to get back on track and cross the finish line two laps ahead on the BMW #37 of BMW Motorrad World Endurance.
The #37 BMW, which finished third in 2023, showed it could go the distance, although it couldn’t match the hellish pace of the #12 Suzuki. An exhaust change and a more moderate pace relegated it to second place, but this performance remains a good proof of the solidity of the official BMW team.
The #4 Honda of Tati Team Beringer Racing, which finished in a creditable sixth place overall and first independent team, did justice to its debut with the CBR 1000 RR-R. On the other hand, the Honda #5 of FCC TSR Honda France, defending champion, did not experience the same success. After two falls at the start of the race, the team was forced to retire in the 23rd hour due to a broken chain. Despite this, Josh Hook, Mike Di Meglio and Alan Techer made an impressive comeback, going from 45th to 10th place before their retirement.
National Motos Honda, king of Superstock
The Superstock class was dominated by the #55 National Motos Honda Honda, which won a smooth victory. With 46 participations on the clock, the most experienced team in the 24 Heures Motos took its revenge after a disappointment at the 2023 Bol d’Or. Guillaume Raymond and the brothers Valentin and Sébastien Suchet, authors of a faultless race, made thrill the audience. Behind them, the #41 Honda of Chromeburner-RAC41-Honda and the #36 Yamaha of 3ART Best Of Bike completed the podium in a hotly contested category, where eight teams could claim victory.
In the Experimental category, two machines were entered: the Metiss #45 and the Ducati Panigale V4 #3. The Ducati had to retire following a fall and an electronic problem, while the Metiss, despite three falls and some technical problems, crossed the finish line in 17th position, a feat in itself.
This 47th edition of the 24 Heures Motos was a new showcase of the resilience of endurance teams. Suzuki once again proved its know-how, while Yamaha and BMW fought a fierce battle, without forgetting the great performances of the independent teams and Superstock.
Fans of the 24 Heures Motos already have an appointment from April 17 to 20, 2025 for the 48th edition of the Le Mans classic. This will once again be the inaugural event of the FIM EWC 2025. In the meantime, relive the last edition of the 24 Heures Motos with the video below.
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