Smith brings more MotoGP pedigree to EWC as MOTO AIN’s determination is rewarded

MOTO AIN is ready to race on in the FIM Endurance World Championship after securing a top trio of riders for the 2022 season-opening 24 Heures Motos led by former MotoGP racer Bradley Smith. Briton Smith, who has never previously competed in an EWC day and night race, joins French promise Corentin Perolari and experienced Italian Claudio Corti in MOTO AIN’s new-look Formula EWC line-up. The announcement, made following the Pre-Test for next month’s 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans this week, marks the end of a tough period for the French team, which stepped up to the EWC’s headlining category last season.

Pierre Chapuis, the MOTO AIN Team Director, explained: “Each year I try to progress. Last season we managed to pass the milestone of the EWC category with great results, including a second place at the Bol d'Or. But the EWC category is much more demanding than the Superstock category.

“This winter, everything was very, very complicated, the worst off-season since the creation of the team. But, fortunately, several members of the team supported me to continue the project in 2022 and partners such as Yamaha, Dafy and Ipone have also responded. I am really happy to have overcome all the obstacles to be on the starting line.” Chapuis continued: “We have a very good trio of riders for the 24 Heures Motos.

In the first tests the three riders lapped in the same second and all have a good rhythm. This allows us to develop the bike settings for all three riders at the same time. It's very positive.