For the third consecutive year, Suzuki Endurance Racing Team has left the Losail track with the crown of FIM world motorbike endurance champion. The 8 Hours of Qatar was indeed the fifth and last round of a 2011 championship that was undecided right up to the last hour of the race.
It is therefore a fourth title that all Dominique Méliand's team has given Motul in the five years since 2007 when it started to partner the team technically. This is an all the more exceptional performance as the competition, represented in particular by the Michelin/BMW partnership, is increasingly severe.
The 2011 season will however have been rich in emotions since after the 2 riders wounded a few days before the 24 Hours of Le Mans, misfortune struck this time Daisaku Sakaï during the trials. The duo Philippe/Delhalle fortunately brought victory to SERT following a faultless and regular race in which they placed third, in other words one place ahead of the Yamaha of team YART, also supported by Motul.
Victory in the Superstock category was also secured by a team supported by Motul. Indeed, team Bikers' Days Herock scooped the win, completing in the best of manners a 2011 season that had been rather disappointing till then (2 withdrawals and a 7th place at the Bol). No doubt the Belgian team will be a serious contender for the 2012 Superstock title...
Results:
1// Yamaha France GMT 94
2// BMW Motorrad France
3// Suzuki Endurance Racing Team - Motul
4// Yamaha Austria Racing Team - Motul
Standings:
1// Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (109 pts)
2// BMW Motorrad France (105 pts)
3// GMT 94 (76 pts)
...
5// Yamaha Austria Racing Team (54 pts) - Motul
Image : © Stan Perec
