New EWC Teams, New Dreams.
The FIM EWC has once again drawn some big-name international racers from MotooGP and WSB this season.
Yamaha Viltaïs Pierret Experiences, who are competing in the EWC class this year, have announced the arrival of Xavier Siméon. The Belgian rider, who won the Superstock 1000 World Cup in 2009, was a Moto2 rider from 2010 to 2017 before joining MotoGP in 2018. He also made an appearance at the 2008 24 Heures Motos as back-up rider for Suzuki Endurance Racing Team.
Motors Events have recruited BSB Superbike Championship racer James Westmoreland. He will make his FIM EWC debut riding the Suzuki #50, a Superstock entry. The team ran Scotsman Kev Coghlan in the Bol d Or, but as yet there is no announcement of him continuing this year in any team.
A new Italian team are also making their first foray into Endurance at the 24 Heures Motos. SC Project Paton Reparto Corse will have three former Superbike and Supersport world championship racers – Lorenzo Lanzi, Michel Fabrizio and Luca Marconi – riding the team’s Honda #57. This team could well prove to be the flies in the EWC ointment with such a strong trio of world class riders.
With still over three months to go for the second round of the 2018-2019 FIM EWC, some teams such as Honda Endurance Racing are yet to reveal their line-up. This may open up some participation from UK as well as Scottish based riders.
One rider already set up for the season ahead is talented and versatile ex MotoGP racer Danny Webb, who announced that endurance will form the main part of his year.
‘After such a successful 2018 season I’m pleased to announce I will be remaining with WRP Racing & Wepol Road Racing for the 2019 season.
After my recent participation’s and successes in the Endurance World Championship with WRP Racing I’m very happy to be continuing the full season with the team. We are currently 2nd in the world standings of the Endurance World Championship with a shot of winning the title. I have always wanted to be a world champion and with such a great team and package this goal is firmly in sight.
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However, due to the EWC calendar this has meant some clashes with the International Road Races I would usually compete in’.
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Danny however commented I won’t be defending my Superbike title in the International Road Race Championship, however I will be participating at selected rounds. This will be Terlicko, Imatra and Horice.
We have a new challenge with a full-time switch to Yamaha on the roads from the BMW. I’m looking forward to trying out the yam around the mountain course and hopefully by the time of the Macau GP we will have developed a competitive machine’.