This weekend, the Sarthe region is buzzing with excitement as the 48th edition of the 24 Heures Motos kicks off from April 17 to April 20, 2025, at the iconic Bugatti circuit in Le Mans. This prestigious motorcycle endurance event, which also marks the 60th anniversary of the track, promises to be a thrilling spectacle for motorsport fans.
Created in 1978, the 24 Heures Motos has grown into a staple of the FIM Endurance World Championship, attracting thousands of spectators eager to witness the world's elite motorcyclists compete. Historically, Suzuki has dominated the event with a remarkable 15 victories, closely followed by Kawasaki and Honda, both with 14 wins each. Legendary riders such as Grégory Leblanc and Alex Vieira have left their mark on this race, making it a highlight of the motorsport calendar.
This year, the YART Yamaha team, riding bike number 7, will start the race from pole position. The trio of Karel Hanika, Marvin Fritz, and Jason O’Halloran set an impressive qualifying time of 1’34”489, establishing a new record for the Bugatti circuit. Hot on their heels are the Suzuki number 1 and the Honda number 4, both serious contenders for the title.
The atmosphere surrounding the 24 Heures Motos is always electric, and this year is no exception. In the lead-up to the race, fans were treated to a traditional parade of drivers through the city center, along with various entertainment activities on the Place des Jacobins and mechanical shows in the paddocks. These events are designed to bring fans closer to the teams and their extraordinary machines.
Adding to the excitement, the start of the race will be given by renowned French actor and director Mathieu Kassovitz, who will flag off the competitors at 3 PM on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The race will be broadcast live on La Chaîne L’Équipe starting at 2:30 PM, with continuous coverage until the following afternoon.
As the 24 Heures Motos unfolds, fans can expect a thrilling mix of high-speed action and strategic endurance racing. The event not only showcases the skill of the riders but also the engineering prowess of the teams involved. A total of 53 motorcycles are entered this year, including 18 in the Formula EWC category, highlighting the competitive spirit that defines this race.
The race weekend kicked off with free practice sessions on Thursday, April 17, where teams had the opportunity to fine-tune their machines ahead of the qualifying rounds. The schedule included sessions for the Continental Cup and the FIM Sidecar World Championship, setting the stage for an exhilarating event.
On Friday, April 18, the atmosphere grew even more intense with qualifying sessions for various categories, culminating in the first races of the weekend. The excitement built throughout the day, leading to a mechanical show that entertained fans and showcased the latest innovations in motorcycle technology.
Saturday, April 19, promises to be a day filled with action. The morning will feature three support races, including the Continental Cup and the PMR Bridgestone Cup, before the warm-up for the 24 Heures Motos at 10:30 AM. The official team presentation and departure ceremony will take place at 2 PM, setting the stage for the grand start of the race.
With tens of thousands of spectators expected in the stands, organizers are preparing for a potential record attendance. The excitement is palpable, with fans eager to see which team will emerge victorious after 24 hours of relentless competition.
As the race unfolds, the spotlight will be on the leading teams, including Yoshimura SERT Motul, who had to make adjustments to their lineup due to Dan Linfoot's withdrawal, replaced by Cocoro Atsumi. This change adds an intriguing layer to the competition, as teams strategize to adapt to the challenges of endurance racing.
In addition to the racing, the weekend will feature live performances, including a special appearance by the Finnish band Steve’N’Seagulls, known for their unique bluegrass renditions of rock classics. This musical element adds to the festive atmosphere, making the 24 Heures Motos not just a race, but a celebration of motorsport culture.
As the clock ticks down to the start, the anticipation continues to build. Fans are eager to see how the race will unfold, with the potential for surprises and dramatic moments that are the hallmark of endurance racing. The 24 Heures Motos is set to deliver an unforgettable experience, combining speed, strategy, and the spirit of competition.
With the official start just hours away, all eyes will be on the Bugatti circuit as teams prepare to battle it out on the track. The 48th edition of the 24 Heures Motos is ready to make history, and fans around the world are poised to witness every thrilling moment.
As the race progresses, updates will be available through various media channels, ensuring fans stay connected to the action. Whether you're at the circuit or following from home, the 24 Heures Motos promises to be a highlight of the motorsport calendar.
