In a thrilling start to the 48th edition of the 24 Heures Motos, the parade of pilots in Le Mans city center on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, marked the official kickoff of this much-anticipated motorcycle endurance race. Over the next four days, fans will be treated to a packed schedule filled with excitement, as 53 teams gear up to compete on the iconic Bugatti circuit.
The race itself, a staple in the endurance racing calendar, will be broadcast in full on Eurosport 2, starting at 14:30 on Saturday, April 19, 2025, and concluding at 15:30 on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Viewers can also catch the action on La Chaîne L’Équipe, which will air the race from 14:30 until approximately 22:55 on the first day, resuming at 7:00 the following morning, alternating with the 6 Heures d’Imola until the race's conclusion.
Leading the charge at the start of the race will be none other than actor Mathieu Kassovitz, who will officially give the signal to commence the 24 Heures Motos on Saturday. This year, the defending champions, Yoshimura-Sert, will compete proudly with the number 1 on their Suzuki, following a near-perfect season in 2024 that saw them clinch victories at both the 24 Heures and Bol d’Or, alongside securing their 18th world endurance championship title.
However, the pressure of being the favorites does not seem to weigh heavily on the team. Team manager Damien Saulnier expressed confidence in their ability to perform, stating, "It doesn’t put more pressure on us. We’ve created this dynamic, and we’re proud to have achieved this together. We all have the same desire; whether it’s the riders or the technical team, we’re all ready to do just as well. We won’t rest on our laurels." This sentiment reflects the team’s commitment to maintaining their competitive edge as they head into the new season.
As the teams prepare for the race, the schedule for Thursday, April 17, 2025, includes a variety of activities designed to get them acclimated to the circuit. Free practice sessions will take place from 10:00 to 12:00, followed by qualifications for the 24 Heures Motos from 16:00 to 17:50. Additionally, there will be night free practice from 20:30 to 22:00, allowing teams to fine-tune their strategies under the lights.
The excitement continues on Friday, April 18, with further qualifications and support races that will test the skills and endurance of the participating teams. The schedule includes qualifications for the PMR Bridgestone Cup and Continental Cup, as well as the FIM side-car world championship, culminating in the Continental Cup race at 13:50 and the PMR Bridgestone Cup race shortly thereafter.
Saturday, April 19, will see the warm-up for the 24 Heures Motos from 10:30 to 11:15, leading into the ceremonial presentation of the teams at 14:00. The race is set to start at 15:00, with teams battling it out for 24 continuous hours, showcasing their endurance and skill on the track.
The event not only promises high-octane racing but also serves as a celebration of motorcycle culture, featuring concerts, mechanical shows, and opportunities for fans to visit team stands throughout the weekend. The atmosphere in Le Mans is expected to be electric as fans gather to support their favorite teams and riders.
With the Yoshimura-Sert team aiming to defend their title, they will have to fend off stiff competition from other seasoned teams eager to claim victory. The stakes are high, and the race is sure to deliver thrilling moments as teams push their limits in pursuit of glory.
As the countdown to the start of the race continues, anticipation builds not just for the participants but also for the fans who will witness this legendary endurance challenge. The 24 Heures Motos is more than just a race; it’s a test of teamwork, strategy, and sheer willpower, and this year’s edition is set to be one for the books.
As the engines roar to life and the teams take their positions, all eyes will be on Le Mans, where the 2025 edition of the 24 Heures Motos promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. Will the Yoshimura-Sert team successfully defend their title, or will a new champion emerge from the pack? Only time will tell as the race unfolds over the next 24 hours.
