Source: Supplied.

Australian Broc Parkes has expressed his confidence in resurrecting the YART Yamaha Official EWC Team’s campaign in the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) this weekend at the second stop of the series in Le Mans, France.

The Austrian outfit, which suffered a devastating DNF at the opening round, has made multiple changes, both in the YZF-R1 machine and crew. Takuya Fujita will replace compatriot Kohta Nozane, joining Parkes and German Marvin Fritz, plus the team also welcomes back former rider Max Neukirchner as crew chief.

In what will be the first 24-hour race of the season, Parkes believes the changes within the team have prompted the trio to be in a strong position to fight for victory and ultimately bring their title bid back on-track.

“I think we’re in a really good position for this weekend,” said Parkes. “Testing has gone really well and our lap times have been fast, even compared to last year. With the new parts, things really seem to have moved on. As a team, I think we’re going to be strong.

“It’s the first 24-hour race for Takuya so it’s going to be a learning experience for him, but Marvin and my pace has been the quickest out of everyone so we’re feeling confident as a team. With warm weather, which is perfect for the Bridgestone tyres, I think we’ve got a great chance.”

The Endurance World Championship is currently led by defending champions GMT94 Yamaha, who hold a 17-point advantage over the WEPOL BMW Motorrad Team.