News 14 Sep 2017

Podium finish the goal for Parkes at EWC opener in France

Australian contender excited for world 2017/2018 championship to commence.

Source: Supplied.

YART Yamaha Official EWC Team’s Broc Parks says he’ll being aiming for a podium this weekend alongside teammates Kohta Nozane and Marvin Fritz at France’s opening round of the 2017/2018 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC).

The season-opener will play host to the 24-hour Bol d’Or at the Circuit Paul Ricard venue, marking one of the longest races on the five-stop calendar.

Australian Parkes revealed he’s excited for the new season to commence after topping a recent official test, and acknowledges his Yamaha-backed team enters the series as title favourites.

“I am so pumped about the new season, especially after we topped both days of the test,” said Parkes. “On the second day, in the afternoon I only did a three-lap run and that’s when I set the fastest lap. The whole atmosphere in the team with Marvin and Kohta is really good, I am really excited.

“Yamaha have been helping out to tweak and update some parts on the bike and the overall package feels amazing. The Bridgestone tyres are working brilliantly at the circuit, I did the fastest lap on race tyres, which shows you how good they are.

“This year, it’s nice to be mentioned as one of the title favourites, but I think anyone from 5-6 teams can win this year, with other manufacturers really upping the ante this season. Our aim is to finish the race, as there are so many points up for grabs during the 24-hour races, so it is vital, and ideally, we will be aiming for the podium.”

YART Yamaha Official EWC Team concluded the 2016/2017 championship in third despite a costly DNF at the opening round, which the outfit will be endeavouring to stay clear of this weekend.

Recent