The main highlights of the 48th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Motorcycles

In the thrilling world of motorcycle endurance racing, the 24 Hours Motos is one of the most followed and anticipated events year after year. The 48th edition, held at the Bugatti circuit in Le Mans, was marked by its share of twists and turns, impressive performances, and tumultuous weather conditions. Discover the highlights of this edition rich in thrills, from impressive figures to the main incidents on the track.

Impressive performances and statistics from the 24 Hours Motos

This 48th edition saw the participation of 53 teams, a record number that provided an unforgettable show. The scoring system and the pace of the teams played a crucial role in the outcome of the final standings. Among the highlights, the Yamaha #7 from YART-Yamaha delivered an extraordinary performance.

It covered a total of 782 laps, approximately 3,272.6 kilometers, making it the overall winner of the event. This figure is to be contrasted with the previous year when the Suzuki #12 from Yoshimura SERT Motul had traveled 3,585.6 kilometers. This year's race was marked by difficult weather conditions, affecting the pace and race strategy of the riders.

Analysis of the top performances

The best lap times are also indicative of the intensity of the competition. The BMW M1000RR #37 achieved the highest top speed at 296.4 km/h during its 583rd lap, highlighting how today's machines reach spectacular performance levels. Other notable performances include:

• Best race lap by Gregg Black on the Suzuki #1 with a time of 1'36''084.
• Superstock time by the Kawasaki #33 at 1'38''349.
• Experimental performance by the Metiss #45 with 1'42''574.
• Best Production performance by the Team Supermoto Racing at 1'44''360.

These figures highlight not only the speed of the motorcyclists but also the ongoing improvement in motorcycle technologies, making the competition increasingly captivating.

The notable incidents during the race

The multitude of participants also led to notable incidents. A total of 154 falls was recorded throughout the competition. This underscores the challenges faced by the riders, particularly in rainy conditions. Interestingly, the number of withdrawals was 14, slightly better than the 19 withdrawals from the previous year.

Here is a summary table of the withdrawals:

The strategy of each team, combined with risk management on the track, was crucial to maintaining their positions throughout the competition. Some teams suffered from mechanical failures, while others had to adapt their strategies to the whims of the weather.

The teams and their performances in the 48th edition of the 24 Hours Motos

The panorama of teams present during this edition was particularly rich, with endurance veterans alongside new teams making their debut. The diversity offered an exciting challenge for all competitors. Among the notable teams:

• YART-Yamaha: victorious and confirming its favorite status.
• Kawasaki Webike Trickstar: often in the lead, showing great consistency.
• Suzuki: despite issues, it managed to finish among the top contenders.

Each team has its own specificities in terms of technique and race strategy. The rookie teams, for their part, showed promising performances, a sign that endurance motorcycle racing is generating increasing interest.

The recent rule changes, adding a strategic dimension to pit stops, have also impacted race dynamics. The time spent in the pits reflects this strategy. Here’s how the pit stop times break down:

The rapid and efficient management of pit times has become crucial within the competition. Teams that were able to manage these stops better often finished higher in the standings. This underscores the importance of smooth communication and effective teamwork.

Repercussions of the 48th edition on the world endurance championship

At the end of this race, the points awarded based on the results have direct consequences on the overall standings of the FIM World Endurance Championship. The performances achieved during the 24 Hours Motos established an initial ranking that sets the tone for the remainder of the season.

Here is the provisional ranking of the teams:

Every point counts in a championship where consistency and strategy are essential. This promising start for some teams like YART-Yamaha aims to build momentum throughout the season. Other teams will now need to refine their strategy and improve their performance to remain competitive and aim for the title.

Implications and analysis of the weather on the race

The weather conditions were a determining factor in the behavior of the teams during this event. Heavy rains led to a slippery track, increasing the risk of falls and affecting lap times. The riders had to constantly adapt, and their performance varied according to the conditions.

This climatic phenomenon is becoming increasingly prevalent and raises questions about the future of this endurance competition. Let’s analyze how the weather influenced the different categories of the race:

• The EWC category saw riders struggling to maintain their speed in humid conditions.
• In Superstock, some teams took advantage of the conditions to achieve good performances, such as the Team 33 Louit April Moto.
• Teams with older machines often struggled to keep pace in the rain, impacting their final standings.

Future improvements in safety infrastructure and strategies adapted to the conditions could be considered to limit incidents caused by the weather. Here is a summary table of the relationship between weather conditions and team performances:

Thus, it is clear that the weather plays a key role in this endurance race and its unpredictability poses a real challenge for teams and riders, adding even more to the spectacle that is the 24 Hours Motos.

Source: www.24h-motos.com