Source: Supplied.

Australian international Broc Parkes says it’s disappointing to exit the first round of the 2017/2018 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) without a score on the board after electronic issues forced YART Yamaha Official EWC Team to bow out of the French opener.

The issues were the result of a crash from teammate Kohta Nozane in the opening hours of the 24-hour round, and while he was able to return the YZF-R1 to the pits, ongoing electrical problems were deemed unsafe and the squad was forced to retire.

Parkes said he was feeling really good heading into the race and felt like everything was in place to challenge for a podium, and despite failing to score points, the Aussie is optimistic heading into the next round of endurance racing.

“Of course it is disappointing to come away not having finished the race,” said Parkes. “But endurance racing is like this – it is always unexpected.

“I felt really good going in to the race, the bike is really fast, my teammates are on good form and the team is working well so we had everything in place to be a serious challenger at the front for the podium.

“Unfortunately Kohta crashed, but he was able to get up and bring the bike back, I’m glad he was okay. We had electronic issues come on and off making it almost impossible to ride consistently quickly without being very dangerous so it was the right decision to retire. We’ll be back in Le Mans and fighting at the front.”

The second instalment of the the 2017-2018 Endurance World Championship is scheduled for 21-22 April 2018, hosted by the Bugatti circuit in France.