As the clock ticks down to the much-anticipated start of the 48th edition of the 24 Heures Motos, excitement is palpable at the Bugatti circuit in Le Mans. Scheduled to kick off at 3 PM on Saturday, April 19, 2025, this prestigious endurance race is expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators eager to witness the high-octane action that has become synonymous with this event.
This year’s race not only marks the opening round of the 2025 FIM EWC World Endurance Championship but also promises a day filled with thrilling activities. Alongside the main event, fans can look forward to three support races, a spectacular mechanical show, and a concert that will surely add to the vibrant atmosphere of the race weekend.
The Yamaha n°7 team, featuring riders Karel Hanika, Marvin Fritz, and Jason O'Halloran, has set the stage for an exciting competition by securing pole position after a record-breaking performance in qualifying. They achieved a blistering lap time of 1'34''664, edging out the Suzuki n°1, which clocked in at 1'34''869, and the Honda n°4, finishing with a time of 1'35''127. This impressive feat came after a series of record-breaking laps during the qualification rounds, showcasing the team's speed and skill.
Gregg Black, riding for the Suzuki Yoshimura SERT Motul #1, initially set a new lap record with a time of 1'34''551, only to be surpassed by Marvin Fritz, who reclaimed the record with a stunning 1'34''489. The competition is fierce, and with such close times, fans can expect a thrilling race as these top teams battle for supremacy on the track.
As the race approaches, the atmosphere is electric, and the excitement is not just limited to the track. Just a stone's throw away, the Mans Sarthe basketball team is gearing up to face Strasbourg in a critical championship match at Antarès, starting at 6 PM. This clash is crucial for the team, as they are in the final push for a top-six finish, which would secure them a direct playoff spot. Coach Guillaume Vizade's squad will need to bring their A-game against a formidable opponent, adding to the day’s sporting drama.
However, the convergence of these two major sporting events is likely to complicate traffic conditions around the area. Special traffic regulations are in place, with several roads closed and speed limits reduced on key routes including RD323, RD338, and RD92. Fans heading to either event are advised to plan their journeys carefully, as the influx of spectators is expected to create significant congestion.
The warm-up for the 24 Heures Motos is scheduled from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM, followed by a ceremonial presentation of the teams from 2 PM to 2:30 PM, leading up to the much-anticipated race start at 3 PM. As the engines roar to life, the excitement will reach a fever pitch, with fans and teams alike hoping for a successful outing.
For those unable to attend in person, the race will be broadcast live on La Chaîne L'Équipe, ensuring that fans can catch every thrilling moment from the comfort of their homes. Coverage will begin at 2:30 PM on Saturday and continue through to the race's conclusion at 3 PM on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
With the stakes high in both motorsport and basketball, Saturday, April 19, 2025, promises to be a memorable day for sports fans in Le Mans. Whether it's the roar of motorcycles on the Bugatti circuit or the tension of a basketball game, the day's events are set to deliver excitement and drama that are hallmarks of competitive sports.
As the 24 Heures Motos prepares to take the spotlight, all eyes will be on the Yamaha n°7 team to see if they can convert their qualifying success into a race victory. Meanwhile, the basketball showdown between Mans Sarthe and Strasbourg will add another layer of intensity to this already action-packed day. With so much on the line, both events will surely captivate the audience and create lasting memories for all who are involved.
