YART Yamaha Fired Up for 2025 EWC Season Opener 

New recruit Jason O’Halloran joins Fritz and Hanika as YART aims to reclaim EWC crown in season opener at iconic French circuit.

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The Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team is locked and loaded for the 2025 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) season opener, the legendary 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans, France, taking place from April 17 to 20.

Following a near-miss in 2024, where they finished runners-up by just 14 points after a dramatic finale at the Bol d’Or, the Austrian-based YART squad is determined to reclaim the EWC crown they last lifted in 2023.

There’s a notable change in the team’s line-up this year as British Superbike standout Jason O’Halloran joins Karel Hanika and Marvin Fritz, replacing the retired Niccolò Canepa. The Italian legend steps into a new role as Yamaha Motor Europe’s Road Racing Sporting Manager, while O’Halloran gears up for his first 24-hour race after an impressive career across BSB, Moto2, and WorldSSP. 

YART returns to their iconic #7 plate on the Bridgestone-shod Yamaha R1 after running #1 last year. Confidence is high within the team following a strong pre-season, capped by a second-fastest time at the official Le Mans Pre-Test with a 1:35.459, faster than Canepa’s 2023 qualifying record.

In 2024, YART dominated much of the Le Mans race before a crash forced a heroic comeback to finish third. With momentum and experience on their side, the team is focused on converting that speed into victory this time around.  

Joining them on the grid once again is the ELF Marc VDS Racing Team/KM99. The Belgian outfit, featuring Florian Marino, Randy de Puniet, and Jérémy Guarnoni, secured their first EWC podium at the 2024 Bol d’Or, finishing as the top Independent Team and fourth overall. Managed by Mario Kupper, they aim to build on that success in their third EWC season.

As always, the 24 Heures Motos promises a stern challenge. The 4.185 km Bugatti Circuit combines fast straights, tight chicanes, and an unpredictable weather forecast that’s already hinting at classic Le Mans drama.

The race weekend kicks off Thursday with Free Practice, qualifying, and Night Practice, before the traditional running start at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Riders will battle through 24 relentless hours, with champions crowned on Sunday afternoon.

Karel Hanika shared his confidence ahead of the race: “We had a superb off-season, and the bike feels great. We tested in mixed conditions, which helps given the forecast. Jason fits in perfectly, and we’ve found improvements in the setup. We’re ready.”

Marvin Fritz echoed the sentiment: “We’ve made steps forward this winter. The team is in top form, and Jason blends in well. After multiple near-misses, we want to finally win at Le Mans.”

Team Manager Mandy Kainz concluded: “The team has worked hard to refine the package. Jason’s settled in well, and we’re excited to get going. In endurance, anything can happen, but we’re ready to fight.”

With momentum from testing and a fresh team dynamic, YART Yamaha heads into Le Mans as a favourite to start the 2025 EWC season with a bang.