Yamaha Aims for FIM World Endurance Title in Le Mans

[totalmotorcycle]

#Yamaha Aims for FIM World Endurance Title in #LeMans


Yamaha prepares for the final round of the 2014 FIM Endurance World Championship, the famous Le Mans 24 Hours du Moto, held this Saturday and Sunday, the 20th and 21st of September.


This final stage of the championship promises to be a hard-fought battle as seven among the 56 competing team are still in the running for the title. However, it is the GMT 94 Michelin Yamalube Team with riders David Checa, Kenny Foray and Mathieu Gines supported by reserve rider Lucas Mahias that go into this race event as the favourite to win the 2014 world crown.


The French team have built up a comfortable 21 point advantage over their closest rivals after securing second place in the Bol d’Or and the Oschersleben 8 Hours, taking the lead in the championship after the previous round in Suzuka.


The Monster Energy Yamaha Austria Racing Team will also be taking part in this grueling 24H race. Though the title is out of reach for YART riders Wayne Maxwell, Igor Jerman and Tommy Bridewell they will still give 100% as they did in Suzuka, where they gained ten positions during a strongly contested race to finish in 12th place.


This weekend will be the 37th edition of the Le Mans 24H at the Circuit Bugatti – Le Mans. Last year 72,000 spectators came to the track to enjoy the show. As with last year, for 2014 the teams can expect to complete more than 800 laps during this ultimate motorcycle endurance racing event.



David checa


GMT 94 Michelin Yamalube Team
"We are very excited here, it's the race that everybody's been waiting for. First of all Le Mans is THE race, it's the one that I've already won and the idea to win again here would be amazing, but we know that the main issue is the World Title and I'm ready for the race."



Kenny Foray


GMT 94 Michelin Yamalube Team
"I feel very comfortable here on the Bugatti circuit. The first practices yesterday were really great and the bike is working well. It's true that we're under pressure because the World Title is within arm's reach, so it is our role to be fast, consistent and not to make a mistake. It will be a tough race but I'm ready."



Mathieu Gines


GMT 94 Michelin Yamalube Team
"I'm so happy to be a member of the GMT94 team this year. To be able to aim for the World Title during my first complete season in the World Championship is unbelievable. See you on Sunday!"



Christophe Guyot


GMT 94 Michelin Yamalube Team Manager
"We are aware that we're lucky to arrive at this race with the leading position. We know that it's not over yet, that our rivals are very strong but we have some good assets for the World Title. Firstly we have 3 extraordinary riders, motivated, fast in every circumstance, a cohesion that we found back despite the difficulties and we have the hunger to win.”



FIM World Endurance Championship Standings
1. Yamaha France GMT 94 Michelin 94 FRA Yamaha YZF-R1 91
2. Team Bolliger Switzerland 8 SUI Kawasaki ZX10R 70
3. SRC Kawasaki 11 FRA Kawasaki ZX10R 69
4. Honda Racing 111 GBR Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP 54
5. Suzuki Endurance Racing Team 1 FRA Suzuki GSX-R1000 44
6. Team Motors Events April Moto 50 FRA Suzuki GSX-R1000 44
7. National Motos 55 FRA Honda CBR1000RR 44
8. Musashi RT Harc Pro 634 JPN Honda CBR1000RR 35
9. Yoshimura Suzuki Shell Advance 34 JPN Suzuki GSX-R1000 29
10. Monster Energy Yamaha YART 7 AUT Yamaha YZF-R1 27