Source: Honda Racing.

Honda Motor Europe has announced that it will retain the formidable rider line-up of Julien Da Costa, Freddy Foray and Sebastien Gimbert for its 2015 Endurance World Championship campaign.

The three former EWC champions will contest the full season aboard the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP as the Honda Racing team renews its quest to clinch the championship title.

“We’re very pleased to have re-signed Julien, Freddy and Sebastien for the 2015 EWC season,” said team manager Neil Tuxworth. “There’s no doubt that they are three of the strongest riders in the championship and we have high hopes for the year ahead.

“The most significant benefit to retaining all three riders – aside from their combined outstanding EWC track record – is the fact that we have a year’s worth of data and results to work from.

“This, coupled with the extensive pre-season testing program we have planned and the hard work that the crew has put in on the bike over the winter, means that we are in a very strong position for 2015.”

Last season produced many positives for the team, including its maiden race victory at the Oschersleben 8 Hours, where it led the race from the start to finish. The crew and riders will be looking to continue this momentum as they approach 2015 with the clear aim of racing to win.

To kick off the new season and as part of Honda Motor Europe’s continued commitment to maximising its riders’ potential, Julien Da Costa and Freddy Foray will today be taking part in an assessment day at the English Institute of Sport – the organisation behind much of Team GB’s outstanding success at the London 2012 Olympics.

The data collected from the physio and isometric tests and strength and conditioning assessments will be collated to form the basis of the riders’ training and fitness programs for 2015.

Pata Honda’s World Superbike contenders Sylvain Guintoli and Michael van der Mark, Honda-Zanardo’s Enduro star Alex Salvini and Honda Racing road racers John McGuinness and Conor Cummins will also attend. Gimbert is unable to take part due to illness.

The full 2015 Endurance World Championship calendar is still to be confirmed by the FIM, but the season will begin with the return of the Le Mans 24 Heures Moto to its traditional slot on 18-19 April. Pre-season testing will begin in March.