The 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, second round of EWC World Endurance Championship, continue. In the early morning, the teams get tired, and the eyelids are heavy among spectators and mechanics alike. At least the night is over. At 8:30 a.m., the weather forecast calls for rain which could well spice up the end of the race. In the meantime, the YART-Yamaha avoids mistakes and considerably distances its opponents. Relive the last hours with us.
Honda faces problems in EWC
La Honda CBR 1000RR-R #1 FCC TSR Honda France, who had managed to avoid problems until now, is no longer in contact with the Yamaha YZF-R1 #7 from YART-Yamaha. However, at sunrise, the latter was still in contact...
It's nearly dawn and Karel Hanika has caught up with Josh Hook, game on!#FIMEWC #24hSpaMotos pic.twitter.com/4aoqkhNpFJ
— FIM EWC (@FIM_EWC) June 18, 2023
... But a problem with the machine forced the team to bring it into the box for more than five minutes. She came out in third place. At the same time, Yamaha did not experience any damage except for a somewhat long stop in the morning.
Drama for the FCC TSR Honda #1, they spent over 5 minutes in the box and are now down to 3rd 😬#FIMEWC #24hSpaMotos pic.twitter.com/bExUHPoZJu
— FIM EWC (@FIM_EWC) June 18, 2023
From now on, with two laps left, the Japanese victor of the 24 Heures Motos and reigning world champion has little chance of winning. except major problem on the lead Yamaha.
Superstock twist!
While the race seemed to be going in the direction of Honda #41 RAC41 Chromeburner, a turnaround in the situation disrupted his plan of action. First of all, the Honda #55 National Motos Honda was never left behind, and a crash from the #41 Honda helped him regain the lead. After numerous repairs, it came out in fourth place in its category. At 8:30 a.m., the legendary National Motos Honda team still firmly holds the lead.
The #41 Chromeburner – 2nd in #STT – down!#FIMEWC #24hSpaMotos pic.twitter.com/qaw1AUAYbx
— FIM EWC (@FIM_EWC) June 18, 2023
The night spares no one at Spa-Francorchamps
At Spa-Francorchamps, EWC competitors are not often rested. Thus, numerous falls and other racing incidents were recorded, starting with an oil leak on one of the motorcycles in the middle of the night, forcing an intervention by the marshals.
Oil on track causing chaos in the dark 😬
🚨 Safety car 🚨#FIMEWC #24hSpaMotos pic.twitter.com/1Ez3Y2YPwz— FIM EWC (@FIM_EWC) June 17, 2023
Besides Honda #41, other bikes were trapped or had problems. This is the case of the Yamaha #777 Wójcik Racing Team STK, on the ground, but also from the Kawasaki #8 Team Bolliger Switzerland. The Ardennes slide is uncompromising with anyone who wishes to conquer it.
#8 is struggling #FIMEWC #24hSpaMotos pic.twitter.com/rMpiwXIOiL
— FIM EWC (@FIM_EWC) June 18, 2023
Here is the ranking at 8:30 a.m.:
