The Bol d’Or with 55 teams, 7 manufacturers and 18 countries
The Bol d’Or is the opening event of the season for the 2012 FIM World Endurance Championship. This traditional 24-hour event, held on the Nevers Magny-Cours circuit, has attracted 55 teams, seven manufacturers and over 170 riders from 18 different countries.
We can expect a tough battle for victory among the official factory teams this season. The Suzuki Endurance Racing Team, reigning champions and winners of the last four editions of the Bol d’Or, will be up against fierce competition from the word go. SRC Kawasaki are looking the most dangerous. The Yamaha clan is fielding two official bikes, the Yamaha France GMT 94 Michelin Yamalube and the Monster Energy Yamaha YART. BMW Motorrad France Team TheEvent, runners-up in 2011, also have their sights on the title this year. Team Honda TT Legends, set up in 2011, is on an upward trajectory and could be a contender for a place on the podium.
The free practice sessions, scheduled for mid-day Thursday, and the first qualifying sessions that will be starting Thursday at 16.00 hours, will provide some clues about the teams’ ambitions and the way they are performing. Entry list here
This opening round of the 2012 FIM World Endurance Championship will be broadcast on TV channels in all five continents, as will the entire Championship.
Follow the Bol d’Or live on Sport+, Motors TV and FIM-TV.com.
- Saturday 14 April from 10:30 to 11:30 and from 14:30 to 22:00
- Sunday 15 April from 10:30 to 15:30
You can also follow the race with “Live Timing” on FIM-LIVE.COM from 14:30 on Saturday!
Many TV channels worldwide will be broadcasting a 52-minute resumé of the Bol d’Or.
Calendar of the 2012 FIM Endurance World Championship
14 and 15 April: Bol d’Or (24 h) - France (Magny-Cours)
9 June: Doha 8 H - Qatar (Losail)
29 July: Suzuka 8 H - Japan
11 August: Oschersleben 8 H - Germany
8 and 9 September: 24 H du Mans - France