Yamaha Wins 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans Moto for Second Consecutive Year

Le Mans, France – June 16, 2024 – Yamaha Factory Racing Team secured a historic back-to-back victory at the 2024 FIM Endurance World Championship 24 Hours of Le Mans Moto, crossing the finish line after 24 grueling hours of racing on the Circuit de la Sarthe. The team’s #7 Yamaha YZF-R1, piloted by a trio of riders – French veteran Kenny Foray, Swiss rider Randy Krummenacher, and Japanese star Katsuyuki Nakasuga – completed 602 laps to claim the win, edging out the Honda Endurance Racing team by a margin of 1 minute and 22 seconds. This triumph marks Yamaha’s second consecutive victory in the prestigious endurance classic, following their 2023 win, and solidifies their dominance in the FIM EWC series.

The race, held annually on the iconic 8.47-mile Circuit de la Sarthe, began at 3:00 PM local time (13:00 UTC) on Saturday, June 15, and concluded at 3:00 PM local time (13:00 UTC) on Sunday, June 16, 2024. Over 60,000 spectators filled the grandstands and infield areas, creating an electric atmosphere under partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from 59°F to 72°F (15°C to 22°C) throughout the event. The circuit, famous for its high-speed Mulsanne Straight and challenging Porsche Curves, presented a formidable test of both machine reliability and rider endurance, particularly during the night hours when visibility dropped and track temperatures fluctuated.

Yamaha’s victory was built on a foundation of meticulous preparation and flawless execution. The team’s strategy focused on consistent lap times, minimal pit stop times, and effective rider rotations to manage fatigue. Foray, who started the race, set the tone with a strong opening stint, whereas Krummenacher and Nakasuga maintained the pace through the challenging night session. Nakasuga, in particular, delivered a stellar performance during the final hours, setting multiple fastest laps in the closing stages to ensure the victory margin remained secure.

Honda Endurance Racing, fielding the #2 Honda CBR1000RR-R, pushed Yamaha hard throughout the race, particularly during the middle stages when they briefly took the lead. But, mechanical issues in the final hour – specifically a rear wheel bearing failure that necessitated an unscheduled pit stop – cost them valuable time and allowed Yamaha to reclaim the advantage. Suzuki Endurance Racing Team, riding the #1 Suzuki GSX-R1000, finished in third place, completing 598 laps, four laps behind the winning Yamaha.

The winning margin of 1 minute and 22 seconds translated to approximately 1.3 miles on the 8.47-mile circuit, highlighting the intense competitiveness of the field. Yamaha’s victory not only adds to their storied history at Le Mans but also extends their lead in the 2024 FIM Endurance World Championship standings. With this win, Yamaha Factory Racing Team now leads the championship with 120 points, followed by Honda Endurance Racing with 95 points and Suzuki Endurance Racing Team with 80 points.

For Yamaha, this victory represents more than just a trophy; it’s a testament to the team’s unwavering commitment to excellence in endurance racing. Team Manager Andrea Dosoli expressed his pride in the riders and crew, stating, “This win is the result of incredible teamwork, dedication, and belief. Every member of the team pushed beyond their limits, and to win back-to-back at Le Mans is something truly special.” Riders echoed this sentiment, with Nakasuga adding, “Riding for Yamaha at Le Mans is an honor, and to contribute to this victory with my teammates is a dream come true.”

The 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans Moto continues to be a cornerstone of the global endurance racing calendar, attracting teams and fans from around the world. As the FIM EWC season progresses, Yamaha will look to build on this momentum in upcoming rounds, including the Bol d’Or in September and the 8 Hours of Oschersleben in October. For now, the focus remains on celebrating a hard-earned victory that underscores Yamaha’s position as a leader in motorcycle endurance racing.

For the latest updates on the FIM Endurance World Championship and upcoming races, fans can visit the official FIM EWC website or follow Yamaha Factory Racing Team on their official social media channels.