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Exciting start to the championship
The 2025 FIM Endurance World Championship kicked off with a bang at the iconic Le Mans circuit, where the Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team showcased their prowess by clinching a dramatic victory in the 24 Heures Motos. The race was filled with unexpected twists and turns, particularly for the Kawasaki Webike Trickstar team, who led for a significant portion before a late-race crash dashed their hopes of victory.
Drama unfolds in the final hour
As the race approached its final hour, Kawasaki Webike Trickstar seemed poised for their first EWC win since 2019. After recovering from an earlier mishap, they were leading the pack when the weather took a turn for the worse. Rain began to fall, prompting a strategic pit stop for wet-weather tires. However, disaster struck when Román Ramos lost control of his bike at the Raccordement corner, leading to a crash that forced him to the pits for repairs. This unfortunate incident handed the lead to YART Yamaha, who capitalized on the opportunity to secure their second victory in this prestigious event.
Celebrating a historic win
The victory was particularly sweet for YART Yamaha, marking a significant milestone for their new recruit, Australian Jason O’Halloran, and allowing Marvin Fritz to celebrate his 32nd birthday in style. Fritz’s performance was commendable, as he not only led the team to victory but also became the first German winner at Le Mans since 2007. His teammate, Karel Hanika, made history as the first Czech rider to win the legendary race, adding to the excitement of the day.
Reflections on the race
Fritz expressed his exhilaration post-race, stating, “It was the craziest race I ever did in this championship.” He acknowledged the challenges posed by the weather and the numerous crashes that occurred throughout the event. Despite his own falls, he praised the team’s performance and the bike’s reliability. “We’ve been very close very often; it was a long dream for me and for the team,” he added, highlighting the dedication and effort of everyone involved.
Looking ahead
As the teams prepare for the next round at the 8 Hours of Spa Motos, scheduled for June 6-7, the excitement continues to build. The Le Mans race served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of endurance racing, where anything can happen in the blink of an eye. With YART Yamaha’s victory, they have set the stage for a thrilling championship season ahead, and fans can expect more heart-pounding action as the series progresses.