The 2025 Bol d’Or marked a thrilling conclusion to the Endurance World Championship, showcasing the speed and strategy of the Yoshimura SERT Motul team. Despite an outstanding performance that led them to victory, they narrowly missed retaining their championship title by just one point. This article examines their race day strategies, the challenges faced, and overall achievements during this prestigious event.
The atmosphere at the Paul Ricard circuit in southern France was electric as the team prepared to defend their title. From the beginning, their determination was evident. In the first qualifying session, Gregg Black set a blistering new lap record, only to be surpassed by teammate Etienne Masson, who clocked a time under 1:51 in the second session, marking the fastest lap of the weekend.
Race Day Performance
As the race began, Black surged ahead, completing the first lap in the lead position. The early hours showcased an intense battle with fellow competitors, as Black, Masson, and Dan Linfoot fought fiercely against their closest rivals. Despite receiving a stop-and-go penalty due to repairs made post-refueling, the team demonstrated resilience by maintaining the lead at the eight-hour mark, earning crucial bonus points.
Nighttime Strategy
Throughout the night, the riders executed flawless stints, demonstrating remarkable consistency and focus. By the 16-hour mark, they had extended their lead to a full lap ahead of the competition, further enhancing their points tally with an additional ten bonus points. This solid performance was particularly noteworthy given that nearly 20 of the 53 competing teams had withdrawn due to various difficulties.
Ultimately, the team secured their third consecutive victory at the Bol d’Or, finishing with an impressive total of 65 points. However, the bittersweet reality set in as they fell just short of claiming the world title, trailing by a solitary point.
Team Reflections
After the race, team director Yohei Kato conveyed a mix of emotions. “It’s hard to articulate my feelings. While there’s disappointment from missing out on the title, I’m incredibly proud of how the team performed, especially the outstanding efforts of the riders. We’ve shown great strength since the start of the week,” he stated. The team’s confidence was evident in their qualifying results and race execution.
Rider Insights
Each rider shared their experiences after the race. Black emphasized the technical upgrades that enhanced their pace compared to the previous year. “Our goal was clear: lead until the finish line, and we accomplished that,” he asserted, acknowledging the reliability of their Suzuki bike. Masson echoed these sentiments, noting that the team’s strategy throughout the night was pivotal to their success. “We executed our plan perfectly,” he remarked, highlighting their exemplary performance during pit stops.
Linfoot reflected on the satisfaction of victory while also feeling the sting of narrowly missing the championship. “We did everything we could, and I have to congratulate YART on their title win. We’ll return even stronger next year,” he affirmed, demonstrating the team’s determination to face the challenges of the 2026 season.
Looking Ahead
With the 2025 season concluded, Yoshimura SERT Motul is now focused on the upcoming year, aiming to kick off the 2026 season at the iconic Le Mans for the 24 Heures Motos. Scheduled for April 16-19, the team plans to debut the enhanced GSX-R1000R, ready to reclaim their title and solidify their place in endurance racing.
The Bol d’Or 2025 not only highlighted the prowess of Yoshimura SERT Motul but also underscored the unpredictable nature of racing, where victory and defeat can be separated by the slimmest margins. As they prepare for the next chapter in their racing journey, the team’s commitment to excellence remains unwavering. With a legacy of performance and a fierce competitive spirit, the stage is set for an exciting 2026 season.