02 February 2023
Having taken a Superstock-category podium in the 24H SPA EWC Motos and battled for the class victory in the Bol d’Or before crashing out of the lead, OG Motorsport World Endurance Team is intent on impressing throughout the upcoming campaign.
The team, which is based in Reims in France, has retained experienced Italian rider Roberto Rolfo and emerging Japanese talent Cocoro Atsumi to ride its Dunlop-equipped Yamaha R1, while recruiting Ludovic Rizza to complete its promising line-up.
“We have worked very hard to get to this point,” Team Manager Fabrice Auger explained. “In 2022 we took the podium at Spa and led the Superstock category at the Bol d’Or until the 12th hour, so our goal is clearly to stand out throughout the 2023 season.”
A statement from OG Motorsport World Endurance Team explaining why it is renewing its EWC commitment read: “Beyond the passion that drives us all, this decision is motivated by the unfailing support of the technical partners and loyal financiers. Also, by the very good performances in 2022 despite an engine failure at Le Mans and the withdrawal due to a fall in the Bol d’Or.
“The evolution [of the team] is beginning to pay off and is expected to be successful in 2023. The team renews and strengthens its partnership with Yamaha France and the support of the passionate Bonneton 2 Roues in Aubenas (07).”
While 41-year-old Roberto Rolfo, a former 250cc world championship runner-up, and 26-year-old Cocoro Atsumi, who won the Superstock section in last year’s 43rd Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race, are familiar faces at OG Motorsport World Endurance Team, Ludovic Rizza is a new recruit. However, the 30-year-old brings strong pedigree to the EWC as the French Promosport 1000 champion. He was also part of the Metiss squad that finished 21st overall in last September’s Bol d’Or.
OG Motorsport World Endurance Team plans to reveal its colours and racing number in early March. Meanwhile, the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans in France forms the opening round of the 2023 EWC season from 13-16 April.
27 March 2024
Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team will defend its FIM Endurance World Championship crown carrying the number one on its R1.Although championship-winning teams usually use the number one during their title defence, it wasn’t previously an official requirement in the EWC – until the rules were updated for 2024.According to the regulations from EWC governing body Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, “the world champion of the previous season will wear number 1 during the current season”.However, in the event of YART being unable to defend its EWC title in 2024, it can revert to its traditional number seven in 2025 as “its former racing number will be protected during the period it wears the 1”, in line with the regulations.Marvin Fritz, who partnered Niccolò Canepa and Karel Hanika to the 2023 EWC title, said: “This is something we were dreaming of for a long time and we can’t wait to start the new season with the number one on our bike.”The 24 Heures Motos opens the 2024 EWC season at Le Mans in France from 18-21 April. Click HERE for ticket information. Photo: Facebook.com/MarvinFritz.2
26 March 2024
Rookie squad TCP Racing will embark on its first full FIM Endurance World Championship campaign with a firm focus on promoting young talent.Managed by ex-racer Peter Polesso, TCP Racing has recruited young French foursome Alan Agogue, Maxence Chachuat, Marcus Delestre and Felix Peron to ride its Yamaha in the Superstock-based FIM Enurance World Cup.“We are extremely proud of our team because everyone here is passionate with one goal: to make this project a success,” Polesso said. “A huge thank you to our supporting sponsors.”Peron said: “I want to thank the team and especially Peter Polesso for the confidence given. It's an honour to wear the colours TCP Racing, endurance is a team sport and I'm proud to be a part of it.”Delestre added: “Very happy to be part of this young dynamic and professional team led by Peter Polesso. I’m very grateful he trusts me to make my debut in such a mythical championship.”The 47th 24 Heures Motos, based at Le Mans in France, opens the new EWC season from 18-21 April. Visit FIMEWC.com soon for more on TCP Racing.Photo: Go2Creation
25 March 2024
Isle of Man TT legend Michael Dunlop will transfer his road racing pedigree to the FIM Endurance World Championship in 2024 after signing for Superstock squad TRT27.Dunlop, from Northern Ireland, has 25 Isle of Man TT victories to his name – only his famous uncle, the late Joey Dunlop, has more wins with 26. And his inclusion in TRT27’s Honda-powered EWC attack adds further intrigue to the eagerly anticipated season, the 10th promoted by Warner Bros. Discovery Sports.TRT27 head Eric Tanésie said: “We have the honour to have the legend of the TT, Michael Dunlop. He has ridden for the TT legends team in EWC before and has high ambition to have a successful 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans.”In addition to new recruit Dunlop, TRT27 has signed Ben Luxton, the 2020 British 600 Superstock champion to join existing riders and fellow Britons Tom Oliver and Tom Ward.The 47th running of the 24 Heures Motos opens the 2024 EWC season from 18-21 April at Le Mans in France. Ticket information is available HERE.