Michael Dunlop Set for Le Mans Endurance Challenge with Team LRP Poland

TT legend embraces unpredictable conditions, aiming for strong Formula EWC performance at 24 Heures Motos.

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for instant updates!

Isle of Man TT icon Michael Dunlop is set to return to the 24 Heures Motos this week, bringing his unmatched road racing experience to the gruelling 24-hour challenge of Le Mans as part of Team LRP Poland’s Formula EWC campaign.

The 36-year-old Northern Irishman, whose record-breaking 29 wins make him the most successful rider in TT history, remains unfazed by the unique demands of day-and-night racing as he prepares for the opening round of the 2025 FIM Endurance World Championship from April 17–20.

“It’s a tough race but it’s a good event and come raceday the atmosphere is mental,” Dunlop said. “Le Mans really is a big-hitter, it’s a race everybody talks about and I don’t see why I can’t do well. I’ve got good team-mates, but the problem with Le Mans is you can think all you want but when you come here it really is a lottery.”

Riding a BMW M 1000 RR shod with Dunlop tyres, Dunlop will share duties with British rider Danny Webb, France’s Enzo Boulom, and Poland’s Marek Szkopek. The lineup will contest the prestigious Formula EWC class, marking Dunlop’s third appearance at Le Mans and his debut in the category.

Dunlop returns to the French classic following a solid performance in 2024, where he finished 16th overall and seventh in the Superstock category. But this year, the veteran racer has his sights set higher, despite the forecast predicting variable conditions.

With daytime highs of 16°C and overnight temperatures expected to fall to just 8°C, coupled with the threat of rain into Sunday morning, the weather will be a key factor. Still, Dunlop isn’t deterred.

“The temperature does drop down a bit, but it is what it is, it’s one of those things that you just have to suck it up and get on with it,” he said. “You can have rain in the middle of the night, it could be freezing or it could be not so bad. Even racing around here at night is okay. The lights from the bikes, the theme park and the campfires means it’s well lit up. And you’ve already done 10 hours by then and the track doesn’t really change, it just goes a bit darker.”

Team LRP Poland, led by Bartłomiej Lewandowski, continues to strengthen its collaborative efforts with the Wrocław University of Science and Technology. The university not only serves as the team’s technical base, but also contributes students and graduates to the pit crew throughout the EWC season, offering a unique blend of education and elite motorsport.

The 24 Heures Motos weekend kicks off with Free Practice, First Qualifying, and Night Practice on Thursday, followed by the final qualifying sessions on Friday morning. The 24-hour race begins with the iconic Le Mans running on Saturday, April 19.