Dafy-RAC 41-Honda Anticipates a Major EWC Season

Revamped Rider Line-Up and Suzuka 8 Hours Debut Highlight Dafy-RAC 41-Honda’s 2025 Endurance World Championship Ambitions.

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The newly renamed Dafy-RAC 41-Honda team is gearing up for an ambitious 2025 season, with a refreshed rider line-up and plans to compete in the prestigious 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race, a key round of the FIM Endurance World Championship.

The French squad, which finished as runner-up in the Superstock-based FIM Endurance World Cup in 2024, has undergone a significant transformation. The rebranding follows the completion of its alliance with Chromeburner and the addition of Dafy as a new title partner alongside Honda. This partnership aims to bolster the team’s competitive edge as it sets its sights on championship glory.

The 2025 rider line-up features a mix of returning talent and new additions. Luxembourg’s Chris Leesch, 29, and 19-year-old Frenchman Diego Poncet, who impressed at last September’s Bol d’Or, will remain with the team. They will be joined by Japan’s Takeshi Ishizuka, 29, and Italian Kevin Manfredi, 30, both of whom bring fresh experience and speed to the squad.

Team Manager Julien Diguet explained the strategic changes: “Chris Leesch is a pillar of the team, and Diego Poncet has earned his place with strong performances. We’ve brought in Takeshi Ishizuka to strengthen our crew for Suzuka, and Kevin Manfredi’s experience and speed will be invaluable as we aim for success.”

RAC 41 has steadily climbed the ranks in recent years, finishing fifth in the FIM Endurance World Cup in 2022 and 2023 before securing second place in 2024, just four points behind champions National Motos Honda FMA. For 2025, Diguet has set clear goals: “We aim to do one step better than last year, win races, and compete for the championship. It won’t be easy, but we’re confident in our strength and ready to give our best.”

Diguet also emphasized the critical role of the team’s title partners, Dafy and Honda, in enabling its ambitions. “Dafy and Honda are equally important to our success. Their support allows us to pursue our goals and compete at the highest level,” he said.

The 2025 FIM Endurance World Championship season kicks off with the 24 Heures Motos from 17-20 April, where Dafy-RAC 41-Honda will look to make a strong start to its campaign. With a renewed line-up and strategic partnerships, the team is poised to challenge for top honours in one of motorsport’s most demanding disciplines.