24 Hours of Le Mans
FIM Endurance World Championship
Bugatti Circuit, Le Mans, France
September 19, 2014
Final Qualifying Results:
1. SRC Kawasaki (Gregory LEBLANC 1:37.205/Matthieu LAGRIVE 1:37.447/Fabien FORET 1:37.169), Kawasaki ZX-10R, Superbike, 1:37.273
2. Honda Racing (Julien DA COSTA 1:38.014/Sebastien GIMBERT 1:37.885/Freddy FORAY 1:38.120), Honda CBR1000RR SP, Superbike, 1:38.006
3. Monster Energy Yamaha – YART (Broc PARKES 1:38.236/Michael LAVERTY 1:38.766/Sheridan MORAIS 1:38.347), Yamaha YZF-R1, Superbike, 1:38.449
4. Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (Vincent PHILIPPE 1:38.632/Anthony DELHALLE 1:38.343/Erwan NIGON 1:38.949), Suzuki GSX-R1000, Superbike, 1:38.641
5. Yamaha Racing – GMT 94 – Michelin (David CHECA 1:38.689/Kenny FORAY 1:39.126/Mathieu GINES 1:38.189), Yamaha YZF-R1, Superbike, 1:38.668
6. National Motos (Valentin DEBISE 1:40.324/Arturo TIZON 1:38.582/Olivier FOUR 1:38.943), Honda CBR1000RR SP, Superbike, 1:39.283
7. Qatar Endurance Racing Team (Anthony WEST 1:39.155/Alex CUDLIN 1:38.774/Mashel AL NAIMI 1:39.934), Kawasaki ZX-10R, Superstock, 1:39.287
8. Team Traqueur Louit Moto (Julian PILOT 1:39.069/David PERRET 1:39.863/Emeric JONCHIERE 1:39.044), Kawasaki ZX-10R, Superstock, 1:39.325
9. Junior Team LMS Suzuki (Baptiste GUITTET 1:40.189/Etienne MASSON 1:39.124/Gregg BLACK 1:39.053), Suzuki GSX-R1000, Superstock, 1:39.455
10. Penz13.com Racing Team (Jason PRIDMORE 1:40.456/Sylvain BARRIER 1:38.628/Glenn ALLERTON 1:40.460), BMW S1000RR, OPEN, 1:39.848
14. Penz13.com Franks Autowelt Racing Team (Pedro VALLCANERAS 1:40.282/Steve MERCER 1:40.656/Didier VAN KEYMEULEN 1:40.183), BMW S1000RR, Superstock, 1:40.373
15. Team Bolliger Switzerland (Horst SAIGER 1:39.577/Daniel SUTTER 1:40.387/Marc WILDISEN 1:41.206), Kaw ZX-10R, Superbike, 1:40.390
18. Team R2CL (Gareth JONES 1:41.330/Guy MARTIN 1:42.282/Gwen GIABBANI 1:39.027), Suzuki GSX-R1000, Superbike, 1:40.879
More, from a press release issued by FIM Endurance Press Office:
Pole position for SRC Kawasaki chasing a fifth win at Le Mans
A wet track at the start of the second qualifying practice broadly preserved the status quo coming out of yesterday’s session on dry. Team SRC Kawasaki will start in pole position tomorrow in the 37th edition of the 24 Heures Moto at Le Mans, final of the 2014 FIM Endurance World Championship. In second place on the grid ahead of Monster Energy Yamaha YART, Honda Racing is looking like a serious contender for a win.
The French factory Kawasaki, winner of the last four editions of the 24 Heures Moto, will therefore be first on the grid followed by the British Honda, which got a taste for victory at the Oschersleben 8 Hours, and the Austrian Yamaha, determined to make its first podium of the season. These three teams are all bent on winning, but the SRC Kawasaki is looking very good with a perfectly matched crew and three riders under the 1’37.500 mark.
In fourth on the grid, a focused Suzuki Endurance Racing Team is sitting just ahead of the current top of the leader board, Yamaha Racing GMT 94 Michelin, that will have to defend its 21-point lead to add a second world crown to its first title won in 2004. The first private team, Honda National Motos, has the best Superstock crews right on its tail. First in this class, Qatar Endurance Racing Team (Kawasaki) will be starting in 7th ahead of Team Traqueur Louit Moto 33 (Kawasaki), Junior Team LMS Suzuki, current leader of the FIM Superstock World Cup, Tati Team Beaujolais Racing (Kawasaki) and AM Moto Racing Compétition (Suzuki).
As in EWC, here at Le Mans there is everything still to play for in the FIM Superstock World Cup. Junior Team LMS Suzuki has a slim 9-point lead over Penz13.com Franks Autowelt Racing Team (BMW), out of the limelight in the qualifying practice but still one to watch. During the practice, impressive performances by the BMW Penz13.com Racing Team #31, entered in Open with Sylvain Barrier, Jason Pridmore and Glenn Allerton, earned it 10th place on the starting grid.
In all classes, the race is therefore shaping up to be more undecided and suspenseful than ever. This 37th edition of the 24 Heures Moto will start tomorrow, Saturday, at 15 hours on the Bugatti circuit at Le Mans.
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More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:
Honda Racing to start 24 Hours of Le Mans from second on the grid
Following a wet morning at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the second qualifying session took place on a drying track meaning the majority of the grid positions remain the same as yesterday and Honda Racing will begin the race from second.
Julien da Costa, Sebastien Gimbert, Freddy Foray and reserve rider Jason O’Halloran completed a 20-minute stint each aboard the Honda Racing CBR1000RR Fireblade SP. Da Costa and Gimbert’s lap times suffered as a result of the damp conditions, however Foray and O’Halloran were blessed with a dry track and both were able to improve on yesterday’s times.
Despite this, the grid positions remain as they were at the end of the first qualifying session, with Honda Racing starting from second behind pole sitter SRC Kawasaki and ahead of championship leader Yamaha GMT 94. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is due to begin at 15.00 CEST on Saturday.
Neil Tuxworth team manager
We had a mixed practice session due to varying weather conditions but the main thing is we had no problems. The performance of the all four riders was strong and we remain in second position to start the race. In some ways this is better than pole as it takes some of the pressure away from the starting rider. Anyway, in a 24-hour race we know anything can happen so we’re just hoping for a trouble-free race.
Julien Da Costa
It was a shame that we had a rain shower just before qualifying today so I couldn’t improve my time. We were able to try some settings for the rain though so we’re well prepared for the race. Second is good and we’re ready.
Freddy Foray
I had dry track in my session and went faster then yesterday but I’m still a little disappointed because I wanted to get a 1:37. It’s difficult here in EWC because there are so many bikes on track. Anyway, we are in a good position, maybe even better than pole because there is less pressure.
Sebastien Gimbert
I am happy because although we are not in pole position we are ready for the race. The weather has been very mixed but that means we have been able to ride in wet, intermediate and dry conditions so we’re well prepared. The main thing is that all of the riders’ lap times are consistent with each other and the bike is easy to ride.
Jason O’halloran reserve rider
I managed to get the good session today, which was nice. I improved my time on a race tyre so I’m pleased with that. The set-up changes the team has made in the last two days have been really positive and I think they are in a really strong position for the race. My work here is pretty much done but it’s been a great experience. I’ve learnt a new track and I really enjoy being with the team so it’s been a good week.
More, from a press release issued by Penz13.com Racing Team:
10th (#31 Open) and 14th (#13 Superstock) for Penz13.com at the 24 hours of Le Mans
Le Mans/France. The Penz13.com Racing Team earned the tenth and fourteenth spot on the grid for the 24 hours of Le Mans. Start for the final race of the 2014 FIM Endurance World Championship is tomorrow, Saturday, at 15:00 o’clock.
The Qualifyings for the legendary 24 hours for motorbikes at the Circuit Bugatti at Le Mans are done and dusted. The Open squad with Jason Pridmore (USA), Sylvain Barrier (FRA) and Glenn Allerton (AUS) powered their BMW S 1000 RR to tenth on the grid. The Superstock team of Pedro Vallcaneras (ESP), Steve Mercer (GBR), Didier van Keymeulen (BEL) and reserve rider Martin Choy (BUL) took P14 on tomorrow’s grid.
Friday’s Qualifying sessions saw mixed conditions on track. Whereas riders 1 and 2 had to fight a wet and damp surface, riders 3 and 4 enjoyed a dry line and a further drying track. Improvements of lap times only were possible later in the day.
#13: Superstock – Penz13.com Franks Autowelt Racing Team
Thursday’s Night Practice saw Vallcaneras, Mercer, van Keymeulen and Choy lapping the Circuit Bugatti 33 times. The best effort of the squad was a 1:42,088 which was only slightly off the pace of the first Qualifying session.
Vallcaneras had to start the second qualifying on rain tires and therefore wasn’t able to improve his personal best – as were Mercer and van Keymeulen. The average time of the Superstock team was a 1:40,183 which meant 14th on the grid and sixth in the Superstock class.
Reserve rider Choy had to face some minor injuries from a spill on Thursday’s free practice. The Bulgarian rider broke two bones in his hand an dislocated his should but was able to improve his personal Le Mans best time by 0,51 seconds: His best effort at his first attempt at Le Mans was a 1:42,928.
Superstock-“Pole” went to the Qatar Endurance Racing Team with Anthony West, Alexander Cudlin and Mashel Al Naimi on seventh overall. WM-Leaders of Junior Team LMS Suzuki with Baptista Guittet, Etienne Masson and Gregg Black earned tenth on the grid and P3 in Superstock. Penz13.com Franks Autowelt Racing Team is 9 points shy behind the Suzuki #72.
Pedro Vallcaneras
This morning it was a full wet session and I wasn’t able to improve my lap time of course. We had two sessions in wet conditions, but also a lot of dry time at Tuesday’s test, at the first Qualifying and the Night Practice. Our BMW S 1000 RR worked brilliantly fine, my team mates are fast and constant – and we all are ready for the 24 hours of Le Mans.
Steve Mercer
I experienced mixed conditions in today’s sessions with a drying line at the end but wasn’t able to go any faster. We got along well together with Didier and Pedro and I think we can go for it tomorrow. I am so happy to be part of the Penz-Team once more and I want to thank everyone for this opportunity.
Didier van Keymeulen
We are ready to fight. Even though we were not able to improve our lap times today we found a good way working together as a team and a brilliant compromise with the Setup. I think we are ready for Saturday and 15:00 o’clock to start the attack. I am looking forward to the race.
#31: Open – Penz13.com Racing Team
The Open squad of Team Principal Rico Penzkofer put down the hammer at Thursday’s Night Practice earning a second place overall in 1:38,780. Pridmore, Barrier and Allerton only los 0,541 seconds over the current World Championship Leaders of Yamaha Racing GMT 94 Michelin (David Checa, Kenny Foray, Matthieu Gines).
With rain and a wet and damp track Pridmore and Barrier were not able to improve their qualifying times on Friday, but Australian rider Glenn Allerton lapped the Circuit Bugatti by 1,52 seconds faster than on the previous day. The average time of the squad was a 1:39,848 at the end – which meant a clear lead in the Open class and 10th on the grid for tomorrow’s race. Second Open-spot went to Metiss JLC Moto Team on P21.
Jason Pridmore
We got first in the Open class, which isn’t a big deal as we are testing under race conditions for next year. I had a wet session this morning and wasn’t able to improve but was surprised by my overall pace. I think together with Glenn and Sylvain, who are brilliant team mates, we have a good chance on the Top Three overall.
Sylvain Barrier
My quali-session was half wet and half dry so I could not improve my time. Anyways, the changes we did to the bike already were working good in yesterdays Night Practice so I am confident. We are ready and can look forward to the race. The team did an amazing job during those last days and got our BMW S 1000 RR running very well. Now a full day racing is ahead of us.
Glenn Allerton
I am satisfied today. I had the luck to get a complete dry session and a new tire today. On the first laps I stayed with Didier (van Keymeulen) so have a look at some lines and to further learn my way around here. At the end I was able to improve by almost two seconds. Every time I jump on the bike it’s getting better and better and I think we can make the next steps during the race.
Info on the 37th Edition of the 24 hours of Le Mans
SRC Kawasaki will start the 37th edition of the 24 hours of Le Mans with Gregory Leblanc, Mathieu Lagrive and Fabien Foret from pole position. Their average lap time was computed at 1:37,273 minutes.
More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki:
Le Mans Pole Position for Kawasaki SRC
After an amazing first timed session on Thursday afternoon, Kawasaki SRC team secured first place on the grid during the final qualifying session for the 24 Hours Le Mans race.
Grégory Leblanc, Matthieu Lagrive and Fabien Foret did a perfect job and set an incredible average qualifying time of 1’37’’273, the best qualifying average in the history of the event.
Even if this pole position doesn’t mean so much in a long and gruelling 24 hours, it shows at least the serious potential of the Kawasaki SRC squad for the race as Gilles Stafler explained : “It’s the first time ever for me that I got such a result from my riders. The gap between them it’s only four tenths of a second on either race tyres or qualifiers. The team made a really good job as well, and it’s the perfect start for this long race week-end. Now the most difficult part is coming and we have to be 100% focused on the race. Pole position is one thing the race something very different.”
Grégory Leblanc added : “It’s a really good thing to start from pole. I had traffic on my first lap time and made a small mistake in the second one but overall I can say I’m happy with this result. But Gilles said the most difficult part of the week-end is coming. Personally I can’t wait for the race !”
Matthieu Lagrive commented : “For sure I’m really happy to get this pole position for Kawasaki and the team. I was quite worry about so many bikes near me during my first run but I was lucky to get a clear lap in the second qualifying. Gregory, Fabien and I are very close on lap time and with the team and the Ninja Kawasaki ZX-10R we also have a really good package to make a strong race.”
Fabien Foret concluded : “I really enjoyed my qualifying session. I could have been a little bit faster but I made a small mistake and almost crashed. So it’s a good result for the team and a perfect way to prepare the race. We all know that it will be much more different and difficult in the race but, for sure, we are ready for the fight.”
The start of the 37th running of the Le Mans 24 Hours race will be on Saturday 20 September at 3 o’clock and the famous number 11 ZX-10R Ninja bike will start proudly ahead of 55 other competitors.