News 18 Apr 2013

Aussie assault set for Bol d’Or WEC opener at Magny-Cours

Parkes, Cudlin and Muggeridge in the mix as Waters sidelined with injury.

Broc Parkes in action aboard the Monster Energy Yamaha Austria Racing Team machine at the Magny-Cours circuit.

Broc Parkes in action aboard the Monster Energy Yamaha Austria Racing Team machine at the Magny-Cours circuit.

The Australian assault on the opening round of the FIM World Endurance Championship (WEC), the famed Bol d’Or at Magnys Cours, has been reduced by one with Josh Waters sidelined due to his wrist injury.

Waters was due to make his first WEC race start with the Monster Energy Yamaha Austria Race Team (YART) but will forego the opportunity to allow his wrist, injured in a high-side crash at Thruxton, to heal.

Waters, who has performed solidly in two previous WEC event starts with Suzuki, confirmed the news via his Facebook page early this morning.

“Unfortunately I am not racing WEC this weekend with the Monster Yamaha crew after my crash last weekend in race one at Thruxton,” he said.

“I am having work on my wrist done and I hope to be all good for the next BSB round in two weeks time.”

South African rider Sheridan Morais will substitute for Waters this round, joining Australian rider Broc Parkes, Japanese Kats Nakasuga and Slovakian Igor Jerman.

Defending World Endurance Champions, the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT), head into the event as favourites following a stellar 2012 season.

Aussie Alex Cudlin joins SERT as its stand-in rider and will be ready for any opportunity, battle-hardened following his recent run of top results in the Qatar International Road Race Championship.

After several successful seasons in the IDM Superbike Championship, Karl Muggeridge has joined BMW Motorrad France Team Thevent for this year’s Bol d’Or, rounding out a strong Australian contingent on the grid.

Muggeridge will be an asset to the outfit who describe his experience and raw speed as an exciting factor. The Queenslander is embracing the challenge and determined to make the most of it.

“I am thrilled and completely motivated for this new challenge and I honestly believe we have a great opportunity together to win,” said Muggeridge.

“I’ve raced the Bol d’Or before, back in 2000, so I’m well aware of the challenge ahead. I’m in good shape and reasonably well prepared, so bring it on!”

Practice at the Magny-Cours circuit is underway now, with the start of the 77th Bol d’Or scheduled for 3.00pm (local) on Saturday April 20.

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