The Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team of Marvin Fritz, Karel Hanika, Jason O’Halloran, and reserve rider Robin Mulhauser, who lead the overall standings by one point, are ready for the title showdown to decide the 2025 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) at the legendary Bol d’Or from 18-21 September. Yamaha also has the chance to complete a clean sweep of championships with the possibility of winning the FIM Endurance World Cup and the FIM Endurance World Trophy, as well as all three Manufacturers’ titles.
The 88th edition of one of the most iconic endurance motorcycle races in the world, which was first held in 1922, will prove a fitting host for an incredible end-of-season finale, with all three EWC championship titles for teams still on the line. On top of this, Yamaha is also in with a chance of lifting all three manufacturers’ titles too.
YART heads to France leading the EWC overall standings by just one point, with the third-place team just five points behind, as things are set up for an incredible battle at Circuit Paul Ricard. The Austrian squad have enjoyed a strong season on their Bridgestone-shod R1, winning the opening round at Le Mans, before securing their sixth podium in a row after finishing third in Spa.
Firmly in the podium hunt at Suzuka, they unfortunately had to retire from the race, which was the first time they had failed to finish on the rostrum since the Bol d’Or in 2023. Despite this, the team are full of confidence heading into the final round of the season, having finished in a strong third last year at the Bol d’Or, and after a positive Private Practice on Tuesday. If YART can secure the title, it will be their third in total, and second in three years, to add to the ones they won in 2009 and 2023.
Fresh off the back of a top ten finish at Suzuka (9th), the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team/KM99 of Florian Marino, Randy de Puniet, and Jérémy Guarnoni are all set for the Bol d’Or, where they secured their first EWC podium after finishing second in 2024, as they look to end the season on a high.
In the FIM Endurance World Cup, both Team 18 Pompiers Igol CMS Motorstore (60 points) and 3ART Best of Bike (56 points), who are fourth and fifth respectively, are in with a chance of winning the Superstock category, with the leaders of the class on 86 points. At the same time, Team Supermoto Racing lead the new for 2025 production class, the FIM Endurance World Trophy, by 18 points.
The reason there are so many teams still in with a chance of being crowned champions in all three classes is the unique way the EWC allocates points. In a 24-hour race, there are a total of 65 points on offer, five in qualifying, another ten at both the eight and 16-hour marks and 40 points are on offer for winning, meaning that there are multiple permutations that are possible.
The historic 5.673 km Circuit Paul Ricard presents a real challenge for riders and bikes. Featuring a combination of slow, medium and high-speed corners, the layout used for the Bol d’Or includes the 1.8km Mistral Straight, where bikes register speeds of over 300kmh for 20 seconds or more, something that really tests not only the machine’s power, but also the engine’s reliability.
The action at the Bol d’Or kicks off on Thursday with a two-hour Free Practice session at 2 pm local time (CEST), before the first Qualifying sessions start at 5:20 pm, with an hour’s Night Practice at 8:40 pm. The second Qualifying sessions take place on Friday at 11 am, with the 88th Bol d’Or starting with the traditional “Le Mans” running start at 3 pm on Saturday.
Marvin Fritz
Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team
“We were strong in Le Mans, Spa, and even in Suzuka before the retirement, so we came here at the start of the week full of confidence, without having conducted a private test here like some of the other teams. We had an excellent Private Practice on Tuesday. Everyone was fast from the first laps, the team did an amazing job, and honestly, it felt like one of the best test days for us this year. Everything is working great so far. We still have some data to analyse and some small areas where we can improve, but it was a very productive day, so we feel strong and confident heading into the weekend. We will give everything to try and win the race!”
Karel Hanika
Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team
“The whole team is feeling really good. We had a nice break after Suzuka, which gave my injury time to heal, so I am back to feeling 100% which is essential. We come here really excited with so much at stake. Obviously, we did not have the best of luck in Suzuka, so the whole team is determined to overturn that. Everyone is working really hard, my teammates are fast, and we are ready. We had a good day of Private Practice, considering we didn’t test here beforehand, the feeling with the bike was very positive, so I am looking forward to the weekend. Let’s go for the win!”
Jason O’Halloran
Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team
“Private Practice was the first time I have ridden here, like with every track this year, but I was pleased as I was quickly up to speed. I only did about 20-25 laps, and yet managed to get down to a good time, a 1:54.4 on 20-lap old tyres, which I am delighted with. There are still areas I need to improve, so we will review the data and identify where I can find some more time, so I can match my teammates, who, as always, are super quick. The whole team has worked really hard to put us in the best possible position, so bring on the weekend!”
Robin Mulhauser
Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team – Reserve Rider
“I am so happy to be back with the team, who are like a family to me. I really like Circuit Paul Ricard, even if we haven’t always had the best luck here. I am looking forward to the race weekend, the weather looks great, and of course, with the titles on the line, everyone is working as hard as possible to ensure we get the best result we can.”
Mandy Kainz
Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team – Team Manager
“It all comes down to this. It has been a good season, although we were unlucky in Suzuka, but to arrive here with a one-point lead means effectively it is a level playing field. The whole team has been working as hard as possible, and I am pleased with Tuesday’s Private Practice, as we were up to speed quickly, despite not testing here beforehand. Obviously, this is endurance racing, so you need a bit of luck, but we will approach it like a normal race and try to secure the best result possible, and then see where we are when it comes to the championship. Everybody has worked so hard to get us to this point; you can be sure we will give it everything to bring home the win.”
Posted on September 18, 2025 by Michael Le Pard
