Event preview: The time is now as 2022 FIM EWC season is all set for Le Mans lift-off

Six months since the 2021 FIM Endurance World Championship finale was decided by 0.070 seconds, the ultimate test of rider and machine is back on track at Le Mans next week (14-17 April) for the 45th 24 Heures Motos. The opening event of the 2022 EWC season is one of three day and night races on the calendar along with the returning 24H SPA EWC Motos at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and the centenary edition of the Bol d’Or at Circuit Paul Ricard in France.

Ad/> Using the 4.185-kilometre Bugatti Circuit, the 24 Heures Motos promises to be an action-packed contest with a three-year-high 52-bike entry featuring 13 riders who have been part of FIM Endurance World Championship-winning line-ups. FIM EWCMasson expects early Kawasaki gains in EWCYESTERDAY AT 04:05 ESSENTIALSWhat?45th 24 Heures Motos, FIM Endurance World Championship 2022, Round 1When?14-17 April 2022Where?Bugatti Circuit, Le Mans, FranceTrack length: 4.185 kilometresRace starts: 15h00 CET, Saturday 16 AprilEWC Qualifying best lap:Team SRC Kawasaki France (Randy de Puniet) 1m35.730s, 2017EWC Race best lap:Team SRC Kawasaki France (Randy de Puniet) 1m36.408s, 2017 Open to fans once again after two years of COVID-19 restrictions, the 24 Heures Motos matches its four-wheeled equivalent for atmosphere, while winning carries the same kudos, as well as the crucial championship points.

Last year’s event, held in mid-June, ended with a home victory for the Yoshimura SERT Motul team, which is based a short distance from the Le Mans paddock and claimed the FIM Endurance World Championship crown at the end of the season. Returning to its traditional April date will increase the challenge facing the riders, teams and tyre manufacturers, particularly due to the prospect of