For Motul, endurance represents an unparalleled test-bench. Logically, the brand is therefore highly involved at several levels in the World Endurance Championship, the last round of which took place on 8 and 9 September at the Motorcycle 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Partnering the event, the championship, the FIM and live broadcasting on MotorsTV, Motul of course supported several teams (22 in all!), the most prestigious of which remained Suzuki Endurance Racing Team, managed by Dominique Méliand and which, once again, bagged the title at the end of the 24 Hours! The race itself was won by team SRC Kawasaki which secured moreover a new distance record, with 3,532.14 km covered. SRC's and SERT's motorcycles were separated at the arrival by a mere 1'02", which underscores the fierceness of the fight: 'We fought throughout the race against Kawasaki', commented Anthony Delhalle, 'but as the championship was at stake, it wasn't easy to ride completely relaxed.' The team's consistency allowed it to clinch this twelfth championship title, despite the disappointment of the Suzuka race. 'Winning the title was our goal,' said Dominique Méliand. 'But we would have also appreciated winning the 24 Hours!'. Motul also supported technically Honda TT Legends which clinched in Le Mans a fine 5th place allowing it to finish 4th in the championship.
In Superstock category, victory was taken by Team Louit Moto 33, supported by Motul, just ahead of Penz13, which also received Motul's technical assistance. This second place allowed the team to bag the World Endurance Cup, which led Arie Vos, one of the three riders, to say, 'We wanted the title, but it was very hard as there were very good teams.' So this win is even more praiseworthy!
Standings EWC
01// Suzuki Endurance Racing Team, 128 pts - Motul
02// BMW Motorrad, 104 pts
03// Yamaha France, 98 pts
04// Honda TT Legends, 97 pts - Motul
Standings Superstock
01// Penz13 Kraftwerk Herpigny Racing, 102 pts - Motul
02// 3D Endurance Moto Center, 90 pts
03// Atomic MotoSport, 79 pts
Photo credit: Stan Perec
