Dunlop help SERT take victory at a rain-affected Bol d’Or 24hr

• SERT capitalises on the changing weather conditions to take top honours

• Wojcik Racing Team celebrates its first EWC podium

• Dunlop’s wet tyre technology provided consistent grip

Dunlop’s tyre technology and strategy helped the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT) record a perfect start to the 2019-20 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) with victory at the weather-affected Bol d’Or 24hr.

Held at the Paul Ricard Circuit, Le Castellet, the 83rd edition was unprecedentedly suspended for 12 hours due to torrential rain and high winds. The race direction decided that the conditions were too dangerous for the riders to compete throughout the night.

Once the race was resumed, SERT was able to use Dunlop’s durable wet weather tyre (200/55R17 KR 393 L) on their Suzuki GSX-R1000 to compete in the damp conditions and consistently challenge for the lead. They ultimately secured a Dunlop 1-2 with fellow Dunlop team Wojcik Racing judging the race to perfection to secure their first EWC podium.

Team SERT riders Vincent Philippe, Etienne Masson and Gregg Black all showed incredibly consistent pace in both the wet and dry conditions utilising Dunlop’s newly introduced rear slick tyre (200/70R17 KR108) on a drying track.

Roland Wozniak, International Event Manager, Dunlop Motorsport says: “We are delighted with a 1-2 finish, our tyres gave the riders' confidence to perform in all conditions. The wet weather tyre provided sustained high-speed stability and side grip in the corners. As the track dried the Dunlop slick tyre showed durability and long-lasting performance.”

The Wojcik Racing Team benefited from Dunlop’s consistent tyre performance to carve their way through the field and score 33 valuable points with their Yamaha YZF-R1. Their riders, Gino Rea, Christoffer Bergman and Axel Maurin all showed strong pace in both wet and dry conditions and were leading overall when the race was stopped due to the storms. 

Wozniak continued by saying: “On a drying track, managing the tyres was paramount, Dunlop’s experience in Road Racing meant that we were well equipped to handle such adverse conditions.”

Dunlop Independent Trophy

As well as finishing second overall, the Wojcik Racing Team dominated the Dunlop Independent Trophy (DIT) from start to finish. The DIT provides vital financial support to the privateer teams who make up the core of the FIM Endurance World Championship.

For securing top spot in the DIT, Wojcik Racing Team takes home €7000, while Team Maco Racing and Tati Team Beaujolais Racing earn €6000 and €5000 respectively for second and third while the top 15 in DIT all receive financial support.

Superstock podium finishes

In the Superstock class, Dunlop teams BMRT 3D Maxxess Nevers and Motors Events finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in the highly competitive class. The superstock bikes are practically identical to production bikes with a manufacturer-specification engine and very limited modifications.

The next FIM Endurance World Championship race is the 8 hours of Sepang on 14 December 2019.