YART-Yamaha Official EWC Team has won the 49th edition of the 24 Heures Motos. At the end of a thrilling race marked by a very high pace and a record attendance of 76,700 spectators, it is the Yamaha YZF-R1 #1 that takes victory. Ridden by Karel Hanika, Marvin Fritz and Leandro Mercado, it gives Yamaha a sixth win at the Le Mans endurance classic. The Austrian outfit claims a second consecutive victory and the third in its history.

The 24 Heures Motos have given birth to legends. Each edition has revealed champions, and every on-track moment has tested character. Here, competitors discover what they are truly capable of. To win this 49th edition, Karel Hanika, Marvin Fritz and Leandro Mercado, riders of the Yamaha #1 from YART-Yamaha Official EWC Team, had to deliver a flawless performance to beat Suzuki, BMW, Kawasaki and Honda.

Although the blue machine started with a fuel consumption disadvantage compared to its rivals, its riders compensated by setting a very high race pace. What commands respect is that their path to victory was free of mistakes and was on pace for a distance record.

BMW dreamed of becoming the first European manufacturer to win the 24 Heures Motos with the M1000RR #37 of the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. The Belgian outfit even led the race until the 17th hour. That is when things unraveled due to traction control issues. Then Michael van der Mark (four-time Suzuka 8 Hours winner) crashed while overtaking a lapped machine. The Dutch rider had hoped to follow in the footsteps of his father, Henk, winner in 1984 with Suzuki. A beautiful story that nearly was. Finally, with 1 hour 44 minutes remaining, the Hyperbike suffered another mechanical issue. The German brand finished 23rd.

In the Suzuki camp, after a 2025 edition marked by six crashes and the loss of the world endurance title by a single point (to YART-Yamaha), the 49th edition was approached with a spirit of revenge. Yoshimura SERT Motul relied on its proven GSX-R 1000 to make the difference. But reliability alone is not enough. To aim higher, the team needed more pace, those crucial tenths that decide races. This is where things became difficult. 
The Japanese squad ultimately finished second (five laps behind the winning Yamaha), focusing on the championship standings. A new machine is already in preparation for next year, with unchanged ambition: to continue building its legacy and strengthen its status as the most successful manufacturer in 24 Heures Motos history, targeting a 16th victory.

Kawasaki secured third place. Kawasaki Webike Trickstar entered a new ZX-10R featuring a revised aerodynamic package with large wings, along with updated chassis geometry. These upgrades were not enough to match Yamaha and BMW, but showed promising potential and strong resilience. 
Special mention goes to Gr&eacute;gory Leblanc, five-time 24 Heures Motos winner, who lost ten kilos to reduce the weight gap with his teammates due to setup requirements.

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The major absentee from the podium was Honda. The CBR 1000 RR-R #5 of F.C.C. TSR Honda France was clearly in contention early in the race before Corentin Perolari crashed after the 21-hour mark. The Japanese team finished 12th, 40 laps behind the winners.

As in 2025, the best independent team at the finish was the BMW M1000RR #6 from ERC Endurance #6. Ridden by Marcel Schr&ouml;tter, Kenny Foray and David Checa, it finished fourth. The BMW #76 of AutoRace Ube Racing Team completed the top five. This Japanese outfit was competing in its first 24-hour race and benefited from the experience of Sylvain Guintoli, double winner of the event. It is expected to return in 2027 with strong ambitions.

<h2>BMW wins Superstock category</h2>

In the Superstock category, no fewer than ten teams were in contention for victory. National Motos Honda FMA aimed for a historic third consecutive win at Le Mans, but the Honda #55 retired after engine failure following 613 laps and 19 hours of racing.

Despite taking pole position, the&nbsp;BMW #25&nbsp;of&nbsp;Team &Eacute;toile&nbsp;could not capitalize due to at least three crashes, finishing 13th with regrets.

Ultimately, it was the&nbsp;BMW #38&nbsp;of&nbsp;Champion-HERT Powered by MRP&nbsp;that took victory.&nbsp;B&aacute;lint Kov&aacute;cs,&nbsp;Jan B&uuml;hn,&nbsp;Loris Cresson&nbsp;and&nbsp;M&aacute;t&eacute; Sz&aacute;mad&oacute;&nbsp;won ahead of the&nbsp;Honda #44&nbsp;of&nbsp;Honda No Limits&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Honda #27&nbsp;of&nbsp;TRT27 AZ Moto. Third place was a strong result for team manager&nbsp;Eric Tan&eacute;sie, celebrating&nbsp;30 years in endurance racing.

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<h2>Yamaha also wins Production category</h2>

The 2026 edition marked the second year of the Production category, featuring machines close to road bikes. Eleven motorcycles were on the grid.

The Yamaha #96 of Legacy Comp&eacute;tition and the Kawasaki #42 of Green Team 42 Lyc&eacute;e Sainte-Claire and #199 of ARTEC 199 fought for the lead. The turning point came late in the morning when the leading Kawasaki #42 suffered a chain failure. The Yamaha #96, ridden by Jordy Manneveau, Pierre Gelas, Ludovic Hauser and Jonathan Hugot, inherited the lead and went on to win. The Kawasaki #42 finished second, ahead of the Honda #531 of MANA-AU Comp&eacute;tition.

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Sixty machines started. Twenty-four hours later, only 40 saw the chequered flag. Night conditions, fatigue and incidents once again highlighted the harshness of the event. For many amateurs, simply being on the grid is already an achievement. Finishing the race, regardless of position, feels like a hard-earned victory.

The next round of the FIM EWC World Endurance Championship will be the 8 Hours of Spa Motos. The race will take place on Saturday, June 6.

EWC Category Top 5 :

1. Yamaha #1 YART-Yamaha Official EWC Team &ndash; Karel Hanika / Marvin Fritz / Leandro Mercado &ndash; 859 laps 
2. Suzuki #12 Yoshimura SERT Motul &ndash; Gregg Black / &Eacute;tienne Masson / Dan Linfoot &ndash; +5 laps 
3. Kawasaki #11 Kawasaki Webike Trickstar &ndash; Roman Ramos / Christian Gamarino / Gr&eacute;gory Leblanc &ndash; +11 laps 
4. BMW #6 ERC Endurance &ndash; Marcel Schr&ouml;tter / Kenny Foray / David Checa &ndash; +12 laps 
5. BMW #76 AutoRace Ube Racing Team &ndash; Naomichi Uramoto / Sylvain Guintoli / Hannes Soomer &ndash; +12 laps

Superstock Top 3 :

1. BMW #38 Champion-HERT Powered by MRP &ndash; B&aacute;lint Kov&aacute;cs / Jan B&uuml;hn / Loris Cresson / M&aacute;t&eacute; Sz&aacute;mad&oacute; &ndash; 838 laps 
2. Honda #44 Honda No Limits &ndash; Gabriele Giannini / Miquel Pons Payeras / Ricardo Brink / Doriano Vietti-Ramuss &ndash; +11 laps 
3. Honda #27 TRT27 AZ Moto &ndash; Thomas Ward / Thomas Oliver / Eemeli Lahti / Maiku Watanuki &ndash; +16 laps

Production Top 3 :

1. Yamaha #96 Legacy Comp&eacute;tition &ndash; Jordy Manneveau / Pierre Gelas / Ludovic Hauser / Jonathan Hugot &ndash; 774 laps 
2. Kawasaki #42 Green Team 42 Lyc&eacute;e Sainte-Claire &ndash; Julien Bonnet / Alexy Negrier / Jules Blanc / Corentin Garcia &ndash; +4 laps 
3. Honda #531 MANA-AU Comp&eacute;tition &ndash; Baptiste Felgerolles / Maximilian Spitzer / Tony Jeuland / Olivier Garreau &ndash; +15 laps

Fastest lap : Honda #5 F.C.C. TSR Honda France &ndash; 1:35.698

Retirements :

<ul>
	<li>Honda #55 National Motos Honda FMA &ndash; engine failure</li>
	<li>Yamaha #222 Team Supermoto Racing &ndash; crash</li>
	<li>Kawasaki #20 Team ORS &ndash; no rider available</li>
	<li>Kawasaki #62 Grillini Racing Team &ndash; retired</li>
	<li>Suzuki #34 JMA Racing Action Bike &ndash; crash damage</li>
	<li>Yamaha #28 Basomba Racing &ndash; engine failure</li>
	<li>Honda #210 Team Grip Attack &ndash; crash damage</li>
	<li>Yamaha #153 TPC - Moteur Actif &ndash; engine failure</li>
	<li>Honda #183 Team SLA/Honda Toulon &ndash; engine failure</li>
	<li>Metiss #45 Team Metiss &ndash; retired</li>
	<li>Honda #119 Slider Endurance &ndash; engine failure</li>
	<li>Yamaha #35 TMC35-PMO &ndash; engine failure</li>
	<li>Yamaha #86 Pitlane Endurance &ndash; engine failure</li>
	<li>Yamaha #10 Infiniteam Flam Racing &ndash; engine failure</li>
	<li>Honda #4 Tati Team AVA6 Racing &ndash; engine failure</li>
	<li>Yamaha #36 3ART Best Of Bike Hamaguchi &ndash; engine failure</li>
	<li>Honda #144 ETH by 2V Racing &ndash; engine failure</li>
	<li>Yamaha #99 KM99 &ndash; engine failure</li>
	<li>Kawasaki #56 Players &ndash; cracked frame</li>
	<li>Yamaha #98 Team PMS99 Yam Service &ndash; engine failure</li>
</ul>

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YART-Yamaha Official EWC Team wins the 2026 24 Heures Motos

It’s the big day! The start of the 49th edition of the 24 Heures Motos, the opening round of the 2026 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC), will be given at 3:00 p.m. by Pio Marmaï. The day’s schedule also features Race 2 of the FIM Sidecar World Championship, the PMR Bridgestone Cup and the Igol Continental Cup. Not to mention the Wampas concert starting at 8:00 p.m.

<h2>8:45 a.m. &ndash; 9:10 a.m.: Igol Continental Cup Race 2</h2>

This second race is the final opportunity for Igol Continental Cup riders to make their mark on the Bugatti Circuit. The riders promise intense battles, and everything suggests this race will live up to expectations.

<h2>9:35 a.m. &ndash; 10:05 a.m.: PMR Bridgestone Cup Race 2</h2>

Race 2 of the PMR Bridgestone Cup is set to be spectacular in more ways than one. Some riders are determined to repeat their performance from yesterday&rsquo;s opening race, while others aim to move up the standings. In both cases, they will cross the finish line with pride, proving that with a sporting ambition, it is possible to overcome disability and continue racing despite life&rsquo;s challenges.

<h2>10:30 a.m. &ndash; 11:15 a.m.: 24 Heures Motos Warm-up</h2>

The warm-up is the final practice session, held just a few hours before the start. Lap times are indicative and not the main objective. Teams use this session to test and validate final technical adjustments.

It is also an opportunity to adapt the bikes to the expected race weather conditions. At the end of the session, each team manager confirms their rider lineup, with three riders entered &mdash; or four in the Superstock and Production categories.

<h2>11:50 a.m. &ndash; 12:20 p.m.: FIM Sidecar World Championship Race 2</h2>

After an exciting Race 1, the FIM Sidecar World Championship crews are far from done battling. This is another chance for them to go head-to-head and impress once again. Close, hard-fought duels are a hallmark of the discipline, and this second race promises to be no exception.

<h2>1:45 p.m. &ndash; 3:00 p.m.: Start Ceremony and Official Team Presentation</h2>

At the 24 Heures Motos, the starting procedure itself is a spectacle. Riders prepare as the atmosphere builds in the grandstands. A solemn and intense moment, the French national anthem echoes down the main straight, marking the final moments before the start.

<h2>3:00 p.m.: Start of the 49th 24 Heures Motos</h2>

BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha line up on the grid aiming to win this 49th edition. More than just a sporting competition, the 24 Heures Motos is an extraordinary human adventure. Numerous twists and turns are to be expected. Despite meticulous preparation and anticipation of multiple scenarios, the race often presents teams with completely unforeseen situations.

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<h2>8:00 p.m.: The Wampas Live in Concert</h2>

From 8:00 p.m., the iconic French rock band takes to the Village stage for a must-see concert. Led by Didier Wampas, the band will perform tracks from their fifteenth album, &ldquo;O&ugrave; va nous ?&rdquo;

On stage, The Wampas remain a sure bet. Each concert is an intense experience, driven by an unpredictable frontman and a tight-knit band well-versed in live performance.

Saturday, April 18, 2026 Schedule:

08:45 &ndash; 09:10: Igol Continental Cup Race 2 
09:35 &ndash; 10:05: PMR Bridgestone Cup Race 2 
10:30 &ndash; 11:15: 24 Heures Motos Warm-up 
11:50 &ndash; 12:20: FIM Sidecar World Championship Race 2 
13:45 &ndash; 15:00: Start Ceremony and Official Team Presentation 
15:00: Start of the 49th 24 Heures Motos 
20:00: Wampas Concert&nbsp;

24 Heures Motos – Saturday, April 18, 2026 Schedule

Qualifying has delivered its verdict, and the starting grid for the 49th edition of the 24 Heures Motos is now set. Discover it below!

At the 24 Heures Motos, the grid is determined after two qualifying sessions, based on the average of the two best lap times set by each team&mdash;whether competing as a trio or a quartet&mdash;in the Superstock and Production categories. Tomorrow at 3 p.m., the #1 Yamaha YZF-R1 of YART-Yamaha Official EWC Team will start from pole position. The Austrian squad is the defending winner of the Le Mans classic as well as the reigning champion in the FIM Endurance World Championship.

What stands out after qualifying is just how close the field is: the top five are covered by only six-tenths of a second. The first six machines are equipped with Bridgestone tyres. The #4 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade from Tati Team AVA6 Racing, in seventh place, runs on Pirelli tyres. Dunlop will rely on the #6 BMW M1000RR from ERC Endurance #6, ninth on the grid, to represent its interests.

The leading Superstock machine, the #25 BMW M1000RR entered by Team &Eacute;toile, qualified in tenth position. This marks the Japanese team&rsquo;s third appearance. It is aiming for both victory and the title in the FIM Endurance World Cup. With three M1000RR machines in the top three, BMW clearly stands out as the fastest bike in this class. Notably, the #55 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade from National Motos Honda FMA&mdash;winner at the Circuit Bugatti in 2025&mdash;sits 25th on the grid. It is likely that the team managed by St&eacute;phane Haddadj chose to focus on race preparation rather than chasing outright lap times.

The sole entrant in the Experimental category, the #45 Metiss, will start from 27th place on the grid, among the Superstock machines, with an average lap time of 1:38.668.

Just 0.053 seconds! That&rsquo;s the gap between the #144 Honda CBR1000RR from ETH by 2V Racing, which set the fastest time in the Production category, and the #42 Kawasaki ZX-10R from Greenteam 42 Lyc&eacute;e Sainte-Claire, in second place. With the #96 Yamaha YZF-R1 from Legacy Comp&eacute;tition in third, three different manufacturers occupy the top three spots. In this category, consistency and error-free riding will be crucial&mdash;but fuel consumption will also play a major role in the fight for victory. The Production class is the most accessible category at the 24 Heures Motos, featuring bikes that are close to production models. These machines must retain many original components, such as electronics and fuel tanks. The key difference is that refuelling is carried out by swapping the tank during pit stops using a secure quick-connect system, rather than filling it directly.

Which machine brings up the rear of the grid? It is the #13 BMW S1000RR entered by Flying Buffs M3 Racing in the Production category. This Polish team is making its debut at the 24 Heures Motos after competing in the 8 Hours of Spa Motos last season.

Find the full starting grid for the 49th edition of the 24 Heures Motos&mdash;the opening round of the FIM Endurance World Championship 2026&mdash;and book your tickets now through the event&rsquo;s <a href="https://ticket.24h-motos.com/content" target="_blank">official ticketing platform</a>.

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Starting Grid for the 2026 24 Heures Motos

YART-Yamaha Official EWC Team secured its third consecutive pole position at the 24 Heures Motos, along with a new lap record. The razor-thin gaps promise an intense, close-fought race.

A highly eventful morning session was marked by&nbsp;setbacks&nbsp;for the #12 Suzuki and the #5 Honda, but also by outstanding lap times from the #1 Yamaha and the #37 BMW, both dipping below the previous lap record. In the end, no team could beat YART&rsquo;s average time, although BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team remains firmly in contention.

<h2>A BMW-Yamaha battle for the lap record!</h2>

The blue-group riders were the first to head out on track. Just minutes after the session began, Naomichi Uramoto, riding the #76 BMW M 1000 RR for AutoRace Ube Racing Team, set the early benchmark with the first 1:34 lap of the day. No one could respond immediately, as a double crash at the Dunlop chicane brought out the red flags.

When the session resumed, things heated up. Karel Hanika, on the #1 Yamaha YZF-R1, set the fastest time and claimed a new lap record in 1:34.431, before immediately improving to 1:34.267. This stands as the fastest lap in 24 Heures Motos history, with the Czech rider in exceptional form all weekend. At the same time, Gregg Black, aboard the #12 Suzuki GSX-R1000R Yoshimura SERT Motul, crashed at the Esses. Meanwhile, the #5 Honda CBR1000RR-R F.C.C. TSR Honda France suffered a fuel leak, forcing a lengthy stop in the pits. Alan Techer rejoined but crashed in the closing moments, dealing Honda two consecutive setbacks. It was a much more positive morning for BMW, which moved the #37 into second place thanks to an excellent effort from Markus Reiterberger, just 0.031 seconds behind Hanika and also quicker than the previous lap record.

The second wave, reserved for the yellow-group riders, was just as intense. Marvin Fritz (#1 Yamaha), eager to reclaim the record, came close to his teammate Karel Hanika with a 1:34.403. Just fifteen thousandths of a second separated him from Corentin Perolari on the #5 Honda. Sylvain Guintoli (#76 BMW) also remained in close contention.

The red-group riders still had everything to play for, as pole position is determined by the average of the two best times from the two qualifying sessions. Hannes Soomer (#76 BMW) fully embraced his role, delivering two blistering laps, including a strong 1:34.488. YART-Yamaha (#1) could rely on its new Argentine rider, Leandro Mercado, to post a solid lap time. He delivered, although he couldn&rsquo;t match Michael van der Mark (#37 BMW), the 2014 Supersport World Champion and former Superbike star. The Dutchman, in top form, clocked an excellent 1:34.273, just thousandths off the record. &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t realize I was that fast! I had to overtake a rider in the final sector. I think the conditions were ideal for everyone, and we also have a very good bike,&rdquo; he said. When the checkered flag fell, no one managed to beat his time.

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The fourth riders&rsquo; session (green group) saw no improvements among the EWC teams. Bo Bendsneyder, for Elf Marc VDS Racing Team/KM99, put his Yamaha at the top, nearly a second ahead of Enzo de la Vega (#11 Kawasaki).

<h2>BMW vs BMW in Superstock</h2>

The Superstock qualifying session began with a double crash involving the #44 Honda No Limits and the #53 Mana-au Competition at the Dunlop chicane, fortunately without serious consequences. On the timing sheets, BMW continued to shine with Team &Eacute;toile, Team Tecmas &ndash; Minerva Oil, and Champion-Hert Powered by MRP. During the yellow-group session, the #44 Honda suffered another crash. Meanwhile, Christophe Ponsson (#9 BMW Team Tecmas &ndash; Minerva Oil) moved into first place in the class, confirming BMW&rsquo;s dominance in the category.

As laps went on, track temperatures increased, making conditions more challenging. Mathias Michaud, riding the #72 Suzuki Junior Team Le Mans Sud Suzuki, crashed at the raccordement on his out lap, visibly frustrated. Up front, BMW maintained its momentum. Kaito Toba, a former Moto3 race winner, put the #25 BMW M 1000 RR Team &Eacute;toile at the top during the red-group session. The green-group riders only confirmed the trend, highlighted by a strong lap from Guillaume Antiga on the #9 BMW. Based on average times, the #25 BMW of Japan&rsquo;s Team &Eacute;toile secured pole position in the Superstock class, notably thanks to an excellent performance from green-group rider Rei Toshima.

<h2>Shaken order in Production</h2>

In the Production class, the #96 Yamaha Legacy Comp&eacute;tition had dominated proceedings since the start of the weekend. However, in this second session, blue-group rider Paul Barre (#199 Kawasaki ZX-10R ARTEC) surprised the field with an excellent lap time and a clear margin over the rest. Then local rider Alexy N&eacute;grier, on the #42 Kawasaki Green Team Lyc&eacute;e Sainte-Claire, impressed in the yellow group. In the next wave, the #144 Honda outperformed its rivals, while the highly anticipated #96 Yamaha still failed to deliver. In the end, the #144 Honda claimed pole position in Production, ahead of the #42 Kawasaki and the #96 Yamaha.

The #45 Metiss entered in the Experimental category enjoyed a trouble-free morning, marked by a very solid pace from Ludovic Rizza.

Top 5 &ndash; EWC class:

1. Yamaha #1 YART-Yamaha Official EWC Team &ndash; Karel Hanika / Marvin Fritz / Leandro Mercado &ndash; 1:34.335 
2. BMW #37 BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team &ndash; Markus Reiterberger / Steven Odendaal / Michael van der Mark / J&eacute;r&eacute;my Guarnoni (reserve rider) &ndash; 1:34.368 
3. BMW #76 AutoRace Ube Racing Team &ndash; Naomichi Uramoto / Sylvain Guintoli / Hannes Soomer / J&eacute;r&eacute;my Guarnoni (reserve rider) &ndash; 1:34.687 
4. Yamaha #99 KM99 &ndash; Randy De Puniet / Florian Marino / Alessandro Delbianco / Bo Bendsneyder (reserve rider) &ndash; 1:34.947 
5. Honda #5 F.C.C. TSR Honda France &ndash; Alan Techer / Corentin Perolari / John McPhee / Jordi Torres (reserve rider) &ndash; 1:35.006

Top 3 &ndash; Superstock class:

1. BMW #25 Team &Eacute;toile &ndash; Hikari Okubo / Motoharu Ito / Kaito Toba / Rei Toshima &ndash; 1:36.053 
2. BMW #9 Team Tecmas &ndash; Minerva Oil &ndash; Soma G&ouml;rbe / Christophe Ponsson / Chris Leesch / Guillaume Antiga &ndash; 1:36.824 
3. Honda #77 Wojcik Racing Team #77 SST &ndash; Milan Pawelec / Mateusz Molik / Oscar Guttierrez Iglesias / Francisca Palomera Iba&ntilde;ez &ndash; 1:37.145

Top 3 &ndash; Production class:

1. Honda #144 ETH by 2V Racing &ndash; J&eacute;r&eacute;my H&eacute;rault / Fran&ccedil;ois No&euml;l / Anatole Beaup&egrave;re / Lylian Fontaine &ndash; 1:40.829 
2. Kawasaki #42 Green Team 42 Lyc&eacute;e Sainte-Claire &ndash; Julien Bonnet / Alexy N&eacute;grier / Jules Blanc / Corentin Garcia &ndash; 1:40.882 
3. Yamaha #96 Legacy Comp&eacute;tition &ndash; Jordy Manneveau / Pierre Gelas / Ludovic Hauser / Jonathan Hugot &ndash; 1:41.253

Experimental:

<ul>
	<li>Metiss #45 Metiss-JBB &ndash; Ludovic Rizza / Cl&eacute;ment Chevrier / Joe Akroyd / David Henriques (reserve rider) &ndash; 1:38.668</li>
</ul>

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2026 24 Heures Motos: YART-Yamaha Official EWC Team takes pole position!

Friday is a key day at the 24 Heures Motos. It’s when the highly coveted pole position is decided, particularly for the factory teams. In addition, three races will set the pace for the day, featuring the FIM Sidecar World Championship, the PMR Bridgestone Cup, and the Igol Continental Cup. Away from the track, don’t miss the pit walk, the tour bus, and the mechanical show.

<h2>8:45 am &ndash; 9:05 am: PMR Bridgestone Cup qualifying practice</h2>

Following yesterday&rsquo;s free practice session, PMR Bridgestone Cup riders found their bearings on the Bugatti Circuit. Now, they take on the stopwatch in the demanding yet thrilling challenge of the perfect lap. Despite reduced mobility, these riders consistently deliver impressive qualifying performances that inspire admiration.

<h2>9:30 am &ndash; 9:50 am: Igol Continental Cup qualifying practice 2</h2>

Another opportunity for Igol Continental Cup riders to push their limits on track. After analyzing their performance from the first session, each competitor aims to improve. Every lap counts in the quest for the ideal time.

<h2>10:20 am &ndash; 12:10 pm: 24 Heures Motos qualifying practice 2</h2>

Unless weather conditions intervene, nothing is yet decided for pole position in this 49th edition. Riders have one final qualifying session to improve on yesterday&rsquo;s lap times. While starting position may seem less crucial in a 24-hour race, the riders&rsquo; determination to showcase their potential tells a different story.

At the end of the session, an average time is calculated based on the two best laps set by each trio (or quartet in the Superstock and Production classes). This determines the starting grid order. An initial hierarchy will emerge, but it will undoubtedly be challenged multiple times during the race.

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<h2>12:30 pm &ndash; 1:00 pm: FIM Sidecar World Championship qualifying practice</h2>

Fine-tuning is over&mdash;sidecar crews now move into qualifying. Their goal is simple: set the fastest possible time to secure the best starting position for both races.

<h2>1:50 pm &ndash; 2:15 pm: Igol Continental Cup Race 1</h2>

Riders have around ten laps to battle it out and finish as high as possible. Positions change constantly in the IGOL Continental Cup, promising captivating action throughout.

<h2>2:35 pm &ndash; 3:00 pm: PMR Bridgestone Cup Race 1</h2>

With talent and determination, PMR Bridgestone Cup riders will once again impress in Race 1. The finish and podium ceremony are sure to be filled with emotion.

<h2>3:35 pm &ndash; 3:55 pm: FIM Sidecar World Championship Race 1</h2>

This opening race challenges competitors as they aim to start their season strongly and score valuable championship points. The favorites will also be targeting a prestigious victory on the Bugatti Circuit.

<h2>6:40 pm &ndash; 8:30 pm: Pit walk</h2>

A highlight of the 24 Heures Motos, the pit walk offers a chance to meet professional and amateur riders, team managers, and mechanics on the eve of the race. It&rsquo;s the perfect opportunity to chat with them, collect autographs, and snap selfies.

<h2>7:30 pm &ndash; 9:00 pm: 24 Heures Motos tour bus</h2>

Hop aboard a bus for a guided lap of the Bugatti Circuit, led by a rider, team manager, or a guide from the 24 Hours Museum. Access areas usually closed to the public and discover the behind-the-scenes side of the race. For a few moments, follow in the footsteps of the greatest riders.

<h2>9:00 pm &ndash; 11:00 pm: 24 Heures Motos mechanical show</h2>

The pit straight transforms into a spectacular stage featuring stunt performances, FMX jumps, and a lively musical atmosphere. With a DJ setting the tone, it&rsquo;s a unifying moment to enjoy together, eyes fixed on the riders&rsquo; breathtaking feats.

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Friday, April 17, 2026 Schedule:

08:45 &ndash; 09:05: PMR Bridgestone Cup qualifying practice 
09:30 &ndash; 09:50: Igol Continental Cup qualifying practice 2 
10:20 &ndash; 12:10: 24 Heures Motos qualifying practice 2 
12:30 &ndash; 13:00: FIM Sidecar World Championship qualifying practice 
13:50 &ndash; 14:15: Igol Continental Cup Race 1 
14:35 &ndash; 15:00: PMR Bridgestone Cup Race 1 
15:35 &ndash; 15:55: FIM Sidecar World Championship Race 1 
18:40 &ndash; 20:30: Pit walk 
19:30 &ndash; 21:00: 24 Heures Motos tour bus 
21:00 &ndash; 23:00: 24 Heures Motos mechanical show

24 Heures Motos – Friday, April 17, 2026 Schedule

The first qualifying session for the 49th 24 Heures Motos unfolded under ideal conditions for the 60 riders entered. The reigning world champions stamped their authority on the Bugatti Circuit, but BMW is applying pressure (provisional 2nd and 3rd positions), while Suzuki remains in ambush. Further back, Kawasaki and Honda currently sit in 7th and 8th places.

Qualifying for the 24 Heures Motos is split into two sessions, each divided into four 20-minute segments for the three or four riders entered per bike.

Hugo Clere (Honda #4) managed to set a competitive time before crashing at the Mus&eacute;e corner, at the same moment as Robin Mulhauser (Yamaha #36). Meanwhile, world champion Karel Hanika set the pace aboard his Yamaha YZF-R1 (1:34.576). In Superstock, Japan&rsquo;s Hikari Okubo put the #25 Team &Eacute;toile BMW at the top of the category (1:37.116), closely followed by Hungary&rsquo;s Soma G&ouml;rbe on another BMW M 1000 RR (#9 Team Tecmas &ndash; Minerva Oil), just 16 thousandths behind. More competitive than last year, the Production category features 11 entries, with Jordy Manneveau setting the fastest time on the Le Mans circuit: 1:40.677. Notably, the #55 National Motos Honda FMA (Valentin Suchet) did not set a time in this session.

<h2>YART Yamaha Proudly Displays Its Number One Plate</h2>

The blue armbands handed over to the yellow armbands, and the chase for lap times resumed, still led by the reigning world champion Yamaha. Marvin Fritz had just enough time to complete his first flying lap before red flags were shown. Race direction reset the session, and the German quickly laid down a benchmark: 1:35.256. &Eacute;tienne Masson (Suzuki #12), Steven Odendaal (BMW #37), and Corentin Perolari (Honda #5) gave chase, but Fritz responded with an even faster 1:34.778.

In Production, Alexy N&eacute;grier (Kawasaki #42) dominated the field, setting a clear fastest time of 1:41.107. In Superstock, after Jan B&uuml;hn crashed at the double right-hander of the raccordement (#38), another BMW moved to the front, with Christophe Ponsson (#9) posting a 1:36.862.

<h2>Sylvain Guintoli (BMW #76) Sets Third-Fastest Time in His Session</h2>

All 60 bikes returned to the pits. Riders exchanged brief feedback with their teams&mdash;discussing feeling, setup, and track conditions&mdash;while mechanics checked the machines, refueled, and prepared for the next run. Then it was time for the red armband riders to take to the track.

Corners flowed into one another, straights were devoured, and lap times kept dropping on the Bugatti Circuit. Spain&rsquo;s Isaac Vi&ntilde;ales stood out by putting the #4 Honda Tati Team Ava6 Racing at the top (1:35.676), before being successively beaten by Michael van der Mark (BMW #37) and Alessandro Delbianco (Yamaha #99). In the closing moments, Hannes Soomer secured third place in the session (BMW #76). Once again, a BMW topped the Superstock category, this time through Kaito Toba (#25 Team &Eacute;toile), while Anatole Beaup&egrave;re (Honda #144) led the Production class.

<h2>BMW M 1000 RR Dominates Superstock</h2>

As shadows lengthened over the Le Mans track, the final group headed out. For reserve riders (EWC), the goal was to get&mdash;or regain&mdash;their bearings in case they are called upon during the race. For others (fourth riders in Superstock and Production teams), this marked their first true qualifying outing.

Behind the scenes, tension built as timesheets were analyzed and conclusions drawn: Yamaha holds provisional pole in the premier class (#1), ahead of BMW #37 and #76. The afternoon ended slightly later than planned after another interruption in the final session due to oil on the track. At the chequered flag, BMW held provisional control of the Superstock category, while Yamaha led in Production. The sole Experimental entry, Metiss, posted an average placing it in the upper half of the standings.

Provisional Pole Position (EWC):

1. Yamaha #1 YART-Yamaha Official EWC Team &ndash; Karel Hanika / Marvin Fritz / Leandro Mercado &ndash; 1:34.677 
2. BMW #37 BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team &ndash; Markus Reiterberger / Steven Odendaal / Michael van der Mark / J&eacute;r&eacute;my Guarnoni (reserve rider) &ndash; 1:34.708 
3. BMW #76 Autorace Ube Racing Team &ndash; Naomichi Uramoto / Sylvain Guintoli / Hannes Soomer / J&eacute;r&eacute;my Guarnoni (reserve rider) &ndash; 1:35.356 
4. Suzuki #12 Yoshimura SERT Motul &ndash; Gregg Black / &Eacute;tienne Masson / Dan Linfoot &ndash; 1:35.440 
5. Yamaha #99 KM99 &ndash; Randy De Puniet / Florian Marino / Alessandro Delbianco / Bo Bendsneyder (reserve rider) &ndash; 1:35.617

Provisional Pole Position (Superstock):

1. BMW #9 Team Tecmas &ndash; Minerva Oil &ndash; Soma G&ouml;rbe / Christophe Ponsson / Chris Leesch / Guillaume Antiga &ndash; 1:36.824 
2. BMW #25 Team &Eacute;toile &ndash; Hikari Okubo / Motoharu Ito / Kaito Toba / Rei Toshima &ndash; 1:36.848 
3. BMW #38 Champion-HERT Powered by MRP &ndash; B&aacute;lint Kov&aacute;cs / Jan B&uuml;hn / Loris Cresson / M&aacute;t&eacute; Sz&aacute;mad&oacute; &ndash; 1:37.252

Provisional Pole Position (Production):

1. Yamaha #96 Legacy Comp&eacute;tition &ndash; Jordy Manneveau / Pierre Gelas / Ludovic Hauser / Jonathan Hugot &ndash; 1:41.108 
2. Honda #144 ETH by 2V Racing &ndash; J&eacute;r&eacute;my H&eacute;rault / Fran&ccedil;ois No&euml;l / Anatole Beaup&egrave;re / Lylian Fontaine &ndash; 1:41.171 
3. Kawasaki #42 Green Team 42 Lyc&eacute;e Sainte-Claire &ndash; Julien Bonnet / Alexy N&eacute;grier / Jules Blanc / Corentin Garcia &ndash; 1:41.348

Experimental:

&bull; Metiss #45 Metiss-JBB &ndash; Ludovic Rizza / Cl&eacute;ment Chevrier / Joe Akroyd / David Henriques (reserve rider) &ndash; 1:38.755

The final hierarchy will only be confirmed after the second qualifying session, scheduled for tomorrow morning (Friday) from 10:20. Before that, competitors will take part in night free practice this evening from 20:30 to 22:00. Check out highlights from this opening day in the gallery below.

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YART Yamaha Official EWC Team Takes Provisional Pole Position

At the crossroads of cinema and motorsport, the 24 Heures Motos have entrusted Pio Marmaï with the role of Official Starter for this 49th edition, which will take place from April 16 to 19. The announcement comes on the eve of the César Awards ceremony, where the actor is nominated for Best Actor—highlighting a recognized and committed artistic career.

Motorsport has always attracted personalities driven by a taste for challenge, intensity, and pushing beyond limits. For the 49th edition of the 24 Heures Motos, one such personality will take center stage: Pio Marma&iuml;, appointed as Official Starter.

A leading figure in French cinema, Pio Marma&iuml; has stood out in major films such as The Three Musketeers (2023). More recently, he achieved wide public success with the Netflix series N&eacute;ro (2025), confirming his status as a key figure in the French audiovisual landscape. He first made a lasting impression in 2008 with The First Day of the Rest of Your Life, a film that has since become cult for an entire generation. Praised for the accuracy of his performances and his energy, he brings to life characters driven by commitment and emotion&mdash;values perfectly aligned with the DNA of the 24 Heures Motos. This artistic recognition will also be in the spotlight, with his C&eacute;sar nomination for his role in L&rsquo;Attachement.

Beyond his acting career, Pio Marma&iuml; is above all a motorcycle enthusiast. A dedicated rider, he regularly takes to the track and has long maintained a deep connection to the world of two wheels. A true collector, he owns several motorcycles, reflecting a genuine and unapologetic passion. This culture of riding, control, and precision naturally echoes the demands of the 24 Heures Motos.

Drawn to environments where adrenaline and intensity prevail, the actor shares with riders the same standards of focus, endurance, and self-improvement. These essential qualities&mdash;whether on a film set or on the track&mdash;create a clear link between his career and this legendary race in Le Mans. Far beyond a symbolic role, his presence as Official Starter embodies the meeting of two worlds united by passion.

Book your tickets for the 49th edition!

The 24 Heures Motos will kick off the major season of 24-hour races at the Le Mans circuits. As the opening round of the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC), this highly anticipated event offers a range of ticket options.

The 4-Day Race Ticket is priced at &euro;89. Circuit access with a standard admission ticket is free for children under 16 (born after April 19, 2010) when accompanied by an adult holding a valid ticket.

Other packages are also available, such as the Concentration Pack or the 4-Day Ticket + Grandstand option.

ACO Members benefit from a preferential rate of &euro;54 for the 4-Day Race Ticket (see membership conditions).

&lt;&lt;&lt; <a href="https://ticket.24h-motos.com/content" target="_blank">24 HEURES MOTOS TICKETING</a> &gt;&gt;&gt;

For this 49th edition, the Automobile Club de l&rsquo;Ouest will continue implementing <a href="http://www.24h-motos.com/fr/actualites/24-heures-motos-2025-des-mesures-pour-un-evenement-toujours-plus-convivial-59049" target="_blank">sound management measures</a> to ensure greater safety and comfort for all. The ACO aims to make this must-attend event accessible to as many people as possible, particularly in the spectator areas.

Pio Marmaï, Official Starter of the 49th 24 Heures Motos

The next 24H Motos will be held at the Bugatti Circuit on 17-20 April 2025. Tickets for the race – the opening round of the 2025 FIM Endurance World Championship – will go on sale at 14:00 CEST on 17 October.  See below for details.

<a href="https://mcusercontent.com/b5f125906fc10a7f9e846de69/images/1ab9de11-163f-4646-3ba3-7449b118876b.jpg">Download the poster</a>

The 2024 24H Motos, the 47th running, drew a crowd of 78,800 and we expect at least as many next April (17-20)!&nbsp;As is now the tradition, the 24H Motos will launch the fabulous 24-hour racing season at Le Mans&rsquo; circuits as well as kicking off the 2025 FIM European World Championship.&nbsp;

2025 TICKET PRICES 
The &ldquo;Early Bird&rdquo; price for a 4-Day admission ticket is &euro;71. This price applies until 31 January 2025. After that date, the standard rate of &euro;89 will be charged. Under 16s (born after 20 April 2009) can enter the circuit free of charge (admission only) if accompanied by a paying adult.&nbsp; 
 
Other packages&thinsp;&ndash;&thinsp;such as the Concentration package and the 4-Day Admission + Grandstand ticket&thinsp;&ndash;&thinsp;are also available. Don&rsquo;t miss the limited Admission + Grandstand special offer, valid until 31 October (400 packages only). 
 
The discount rate for ACO Members is &euro;54 for 4-Day admission (membership terms and conditions apply). 
 
How to book tickets:

Log on to the official site at ticket.24h-motos.com and pay on line. 
Call&nbsp;the ACO ticket office on +33 243 43 543210or write to serviceclients@lemans.org 
 
Drop in to one of our four official 24H stores:

Le Mans (Museum): Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans Tel: +33 (0)2 43 40 24 65 
Paris: 118 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris VIIIe. Tel: +33 (0)1 44 90 00 24 
Tours: 32 rue Marceau. Tel: +33 (0)2 47 05 11 11 
Rouen: 24 rue de l&#39;H&ocirc;pital. Tel:&nbsp;+33 (0)2 35 71 44 89

The safety measures introduced last year by race organiser, the Automobile Club de l&rsquo;Ouest, will remain in place. Our goal is to render the iconic event as accessible as possible, in particular the camping areas.

<a href="https://assets.lemans.org/explorer/pdf/courses/2025/24-heures-motos/billetterie/grille-tarifaire.pdf" target="_blank">ADMISSIONS</a>

2025 24H Motos: bookings open in two weeks’ time!

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PODIUM

ARRIVEE

Ambiance

#1 YART - YAMAHA Yamaha YZF - R1 CZ HANIKA Karel GER FRITZ Marvin GBR O'HALLORAN Jason CH MULHAUSER Robin

Podium EWC

#53 MANA-AU COMPETITION Honda CBR1000 RR-R GER SCHMIDT Max GER FETZ Marco FRA LAMIRE Alexis - -

#72 JUNIOR TEAM LMS SUZUKI Suzuki GSX-R1000R FRA CAUCHI Ludovic FRA DA-RE Dorian FRA LEVRIER Quentin FRA LEPINE Adrien

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