Another action-packed FIM Endurance World Championship season is in store with four famous races on the agenda and a flurry of rider announcements already kicking things off. But, first, here’s a reminder of what’s happening and when.
24 HEURES MOTOS, Bugatti Circuit, Le Mans (France): 13-16 April
In 100 words: Following two years without spectators due to COVID-19 restrictions, fans were back in their thousands for the 45th edition in April 2022. And they witnessed a thriller with Suzuki-powered Gregg Black, Sylvain Guintoli and Xavier Siméon combining in style for Le Mans-based Yoshimura SERT Motul. Rather than the 13.626-kilometre Circuit de La Sarthe, the traditional EWC curtain-raiser takes place on the 4.185-kilometre Bugatti Circuit. It comes complete with the famous Le Mans start/finish straight, Dunlop Esses and Ford Chicane, while a twisty infield section ensures there’s little respite, nevertheless. Riders also face the prospect of competing during shorter daylight hours.
More information:
www.fimewc.com/event/24-heures-motos-2023/
Ticket information:
24H SPA EWC MOTOS, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium): 16-18 June
In 100 words: A track as legendary as it is demanding hosted international-level motorbike racing for the first time since 2001 when the 24H SPA EWC Motos revived the spirit of the 24 Heures de Liège, once an EWC calendar mainstay, in June 2022. The iconic circuit underwent extensive safety upgrades mandated by FIM and FMB specifically for the EWC’s return with the 6.985-kilometre layout – the longest of the season – featuring expanded run-off areas, the repositioning of safety barriers, plus the realignment of Turn 9 for bike use only. Belgium-based BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team came out on top of a rain-hit race.
More information:
www.fimewc.com/event/24h-spa-ewc-motos-2023/
Ticket information:
SUZUKA 8 HOURS ENDURANCE RACE, Suzuka Circuit (Japan): 4-6 August
In 100 words: Operated by Honda-owned Mobilityland, Suzuka offers a unique figure-of-eight layout and considerable challenge thanks to its wide variety of corners, while the Suzuka 8 Hours’ summer date means hot and humid conditions and packed grandstands. Opened initially as a Honda test track in 1962, the venue hosted the first edition of the Suzuka 8 Hours in 1978. Since then, the day and night event has been a popular feature of the EWC schedule and a key fixture on the international calendar with leading MotoGP and World Superbike racers taking part – and winning – over the years. Team HRC triumphed in 2022.
More information:
www.fimewc.com/event/suzuka-8-hours-endurance-race-2023/
Ticket information:
BOL D’OR, Circuit Paul Ricard (France): 14-17 September
In 100 words: Tony Zind rode solo to win the first Bol d’Or on a five-kilometre circuit of dirt roads close to Paris in 1922. For the 100th anniversary race in 2022, Florian Alt, Erwan Nigon and Steven Odendaal joined forces to triumph on Circuit Paul Ricard’s 5.673-kilometre layout. Since the first running, seven venues have staged the race. Paul Ricard held its maiden Bol d’Or in 1979 and the 2023 event, the EWC season finale, will be the 30th at the track. At more than one kilometre in length, the Mistral Straight has turned the race into an exciting battle of attrition.
More information:
www.fimewc.com/event/bol-dor-2023/
Ticket information:
FIM Endurance World Championship 2023 calendar refresher
Round 1: 24 Heures Motos (Circuit Bugatti, Le Mans, France) 13-16 April 2023*
Round 2: 24H SPA EWC Motos (Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium) 16-18 June 2023*
Round 3: Suzuka 8 Hours (Suzuka Circuit, Japan) 4-6 August 2023
Round 4: Bol d’Or 24 hours (Circuit Paul Ricard, France) 14-17 September 2023*
*FIM Endurance World Cup round