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Exciting start to the 2025 FIM EWC season at Le Mans
Over the Easter weekend, the iconic Bugatti circuit hosted the thrilling 48th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking the kickoff of the 2025 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC). The race was marked by incredibly challenging wet track conditions, leading to an unprecedented number of crashes and a constantly evolving leaderboard. The unpredictable weather added an extra layer of excitement as teams battled not only against each other but also against the elements.
Kawasaki’s strategic performance
Starting in 7th position on the grid, Grégory Leblanc, who shares a record of five victories at Le Mans, quickly made his mark in the early hours of the race. By doubling his first stint, he propelled the #11 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR into a commendable 3rd place. His teammate, Roman Ramos Alvaro, also showcased impressive skills by maneuvering through the treacherous conditions, further elevating the team’s standing. Mike Di Meglio, beginning his stint from a solid 2nd position, carefully navigated the wet track and eventually led the race as night fell over the circuit.
Challenges and triumphs throughout the night
The night brought fierce competition, with Di Meglio initially holding the lead before being overtaken by Ramos Alvaro, who managed to extend his advantage as the hours passed. At the 8-hour mark, the Kawasaki team secured a vital bonus of 10 points, keeping their hopes alive as they maintained a lead of up to four laps over their nearest rivals. Their consistency was remarkable, especially considering that the #11 Kawasaki was the only official bike that had avoided crashes until the later stages of the race.
Unexpected obstacles in the final hours
As the race approached its conclusion, the weather took an even more dramatic turn, with rain intensifying and prompting most teams to switch to wet tires. Thanks to sound strategic decisions, Ramos Alvaro timed his tire change perfectly. However, an unfortunate incident struck the team with just over an hour left, challenging their position. Thanks to the expertise of the technical crew, repairs were completed in just four minutes, allowing Di Meglio to return to the track only one lap behind the leader.
A close finish and valuable points
The team remained focused until the chequered flag, crossing it in 2nd place. Their performance earned them a total of 53 points from both qualifying and the race, placing the Kawasaki Webike Trickstar team in a strong position in the provisional world championship standings. This solid start to the season showcases the team’s resilience and strategic prowess amidst adversity.
Rider perspectives on the race
After the race, the riders shared their thoughts. Roman Ramos Alvaro expressed satisfaction, stating, “If someone had told me before arriving at Le Mans that I would finish on the podium in a race like this, I would have signed up straight away! Honestly, I’m happy, even if our performance over most of the race left us hoping for even better.”
Mike Di Meglio reflected on the challenges faced, saying, “It’s a cruel result because I think we did a very good job. We set a good pace. With all the tricky conditions we had, we managed to stay on our wheels.” Grégory Leblanc, in his 15th appearance at Le Mans, acknowledged the team’s efforts and noted the disappointment of not winning but highlighted the importance of the points earned for the championship.
Looking ahead to the next challenge
The championship will continue with the next round on June 7 at the 8 Hours of Spa in Belgium, where Kawasaki will aim to build on their strong performance at Le Mans. As the season progresses, fans eagerly anticipate how the team will navigate the challenges ahead, and whether they can reclaim the glory they have tasted before.