The 2026 Bol d'Or kicked off with immediate drama at Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, as BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, with Michael van der Mark at the helm, seized control in the opening hour. However, it was Gregg Black on the #12 Yoshimura SERT Motul Suzuki who stunned the field by snatching the lead into Turn 1, sending the grandstand into a frenzy.
But the spotlight soon shifted to the defending champions, YART Yamaha #1, who suffered a nightmare start. From seventh on the grid, they plummeted to 16th as the lights went out. Yet, showcasing their trademark resilience, they carved through the field to recover to fourth within the first 30 minutes—a comeback that reminded everyone why they are the team to beat.
Meanwhile, the #12 SERT Suzuki gradually faded after its early charge, slipping to fifth by the end of the hour. Out front, BMW #37 held firm, followed by the BMW #76 of AutoRace Ube Racing Team and the Honda #5 of F.C.C. TSR Honda France. With 23 hours remaining, the race is still wide open.
The Superstock class delivered its own early drama. A collision between title contenders Aprilia #49 Revo-M2 and BMW #25 Team Etoile put both machines under immediate pressure, but fortunately, both were able to rejoin, leaving the entire grid intact with no DNFs in the first hour.
For endurance fans, the 2026 Bol d'Or is just getting started, and if the first hour is anything to go by, we are in for a thrilling 23 hours of action and strategy. YART Yamaha will not give up without a fight, while BMW #37 looks to maintain their momentum. Don't miss a second!
Read Also
Bol d'Or 2026 at Circuit Paul Ricard will decide the EWC title with 56 teams competing. Follow the battle between YART Yamaha, BMW, and Yoshimura SERT Motul.
Nicolo Bulega escapes injury after a heavy highside crash in Ducati 850cc MotoGP test at Mugello. Scans show no fractures, but his Austria test appearance is in doubt.
2027 WorldSBK rider line-up: Ducati, Yamaha, BMW and more. Explore the grid for the Michelin era, who's confirmed and who's still in the balance.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!