Kawasaki Wins and makes Le Mans history on new Ninja
Never before has a team won the gruelling Le Mans 24 hour endurance race twice in a row twice in a row on the same machine, with the same team and with the same personel.
The SRC Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R #11, and especially Julien Da Costa, Gregory Leblanc and Olivier Four, entered the history books of this legendary event at its 34th running as victors, crossing the finish line on Sunday 25 September at 3pm.
All competitors in a packed field enjoyed exceptional weather and the SRC team also set a track record by beating the existing distance record with a stunning 834 laps completed at an average of 146 km / h.
At the after-race press conference, the winners: SRC Kawasaki Team commented on their victory. The three riders, Julien Da Costa, Grégory Leblanc and Olivier Four, as well as their Team Manager, Gilles Staffler, were present.
Grégory Leblanc
“This initially appeared me to be more difficult than last year. The pace was very fast this year, and it was physically very challenging, but I am naturally delighted to have won.“
Olivier Four
“This year was much more tiring than in other years.After twenty hours of racing, we were still very close to the chasing teams on the timing sheets. We tested well and judged our fuel conmsumption perfectly – unlike some other teams!.
The same crew that wins twice in a row, this is unique!… and at Le Mans, which is for me the greatest race in World Endurance! “
Julien Da Costa
“This year, we had a very good machine, very easy to ride.It allowed us to ride all night without be physically tired. In addition, in the night, we achieved the fastest race lap times which helped us maintain our race pace.
The Ninja ZX-10R is a very powerful and reliable motorcycle. “In the hands of the SRC team, it is” THE winning motorcycle.”
Gilles Staffler – Manager