Strong BMW performance ends in bitter disappointment
The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team was considered one of the main contenders for the title. After qualifying, YART and BMW were tied on points in the overall standings. In the race, Markus Reiterberger’s team took an early lead in the World Championship standings. At the halfway point of the Bol d’Or, BMW had already pulled out a one-lap lead over YART and was on course for the title. But around 25 minutes before the end of the race, the M 1000 RR with start number 37 had to be parked in the pits due to engine failure – the title hopes were dashed at the last minute.
The race: A three-way battle on equal terms
YART started the race with Marvin Fritz, who handed over to Karel Hanika after a good start. The Czech quickly caught up with BMW. Jason O’Halloran, who was making his debut at the Circuit Paul Ricard, then took the wheel. In the meantime, YART managed to build up a lead of over 40 seconds on BMW. However, technical problems such as loose fairing threw the team back. This resulted in extended pit stops and a loss of over a minute.
At the eight- and sixteen-hour marks, YART was in third place – both times earning important points, but the gap in the overall standings grew. In addition, the Suzuki team Yoshimura SERT Motul also joined the title race, further increasing the tension. At the 16-hour mark, a real three-way battle for the world championship had broken out.
Technical problems and physical limits
It wasn’t just the technology that demanded everything from YART – the riders also struggled with their health. All three suffered from gastrointestinal illness. Karel Hanika in particular had to take longer breaks during the night. Fritz and O’Halloran therefore drove several stints – at full racing speed and under extremely physical conditions. It wasn’t until Sunday morning that Hanika was able to get back in the saddle. The team showed tremendous morale and remained focused on the goal despite setbacks.
The turning point: engine failure brings decision
As the final hours of the race drew to a close, everything looked set for a BMW title win. But then came the dramatic twist: Markus Reiterberger had to retire the BMW shortly before the end of the race with engine failure. This meant that YART inherited second place behind SERT – enough to become world champions with 139 points, one point ahead of the Suzuki team (138 points). Jason O’Halloran took over for the final stint as the rain set in and brought the R1 safely to the finish line after 725 laps.
Reactions to the title win and defeat
Marvin Fritz, who had gotten married just a week earlier, described the title as “an incredible gift.” Hanika spoke of one of the toughest races of his career: “I was completely exhausted, but the team carried me.” Jason O’Halloran had an intense debut year in the EWC: “We never gave up – that’s what makes this title so special.”
On the other hand, the BMW camp was deeply disappointed. Team manager Werner Daemen spoke of a “heartbreaking moment.” Sylvain Guintoli, who dominated the race for a long time with a controlled pace, said: “Endurance can be merciless.” Reiterberger emphasized: “You can’t have any more bad luck than that.”
Yamaha also secures the manufacturers’ title
In addition to the riders’ title for YART, Yamaha also defended the world championship title in the manufacturers’ standings – for the second time in a row. There was also cause for celebration in the Superstock class: the Yamaha with start number 9 won convincingly and also finished on the overall podium. Team Moto Ain also secured the class victory in the Endurance World Trophy.
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