Yamaha France GMT 94 Michelin team on the podium at the 24 hours of Le Mans, and 2013 championship runner-up.
David Checa, Matthieu Lagrive and Kenny Foray stepped on the rostrum of the 24 hours of Le Mans after an incredible, eventful race. After winning the race in 2001 in 2004, GMT 94 had not finished on the Le Mans podium since 2006. This result earned the three riders of the Michelin Yamaha R1 and Maxime Berger, the substitute rider, the runner-up place in the Endurance World Championship.
Things had started badly. After setting the second-fastest qualifying time, and the fastest time of the warm-up, David Checa fell twice on the second lap of the race. Restarting from 52nd place, the GMT 94 Michelin Yamaha R1's progress was then slowed by three additional stops to replace a sprocket carrier and a clutch damaged by a defective shifter, the consequence of the first fall. The entire team then delivered an impressive performance with speed and consistency to move back up through the rankings.
Christophe Guyot: "A podium at Le Mans is always magical. After coming up short several times, we couldn't let another one go. Of course, would have loved to win. When everything collapsed at the start of the race and difficulties mounted, everyone gave it their all and never gave up. This podium concludes a season that proved that our Yamaha R1 on Michelin tires performed well at all races, and never retired from a race."
David Checa: "I am very happy for this podium, and especially for loosening up again after my two falls. I quickly regained my confidence and we were able to secure a much desired podium finish."
Kenny Foray: "This was a great race, I really had fun, I love this racetrack and the podium is a nice reward for my team, teammates, our partners and for myself."
Matthieu Lagrive: "Great week, great atmosphere, great podium."
Maxime Berger: "Thanks to GMT 94 for this season, for this honorary runner-up title which I also get to share, and for the race at Oschersleben. Last but not least, thanks to Christophe Guyot for welcoming and supporting me, as this will help me in future projects."
The GMT 94 team wishes the best recovery for Simon Andrews, rider of the 77 TT Legends bike, Anthony Delhalle rider on the number 1 and Pierrot Lerat Vansten, rider on the "6" who were seriously hurt but thankfully out of danger today. Lastly, let's praise the ACO's organization of the event; the FIM, the marshalls and the enthusiasm of the 70,200 spectators who came to cheer the 56 teams participating in the 24 Hours Moto.
Communication GMT 94 : www.gmt94.com