Source: Supplied.

Reigning world champion F.C.C. TSR Honda France has edged out YART Yamaha by a mere 54 seconds to win the opening round of the 2018-2019 Endurance World Championship at the Bol d’Or 24 hours in France, as Yamaha Wepol Racing completed the podium.

On the Paul Ricard circuit, F.C.C. TSR Honda France’s riders Freddy Foray, Australian Josh Hook and Mike Di Meglio snatched victory from YART Yamaha’s Broc Parkes of Australia, Niccolò Canepa and Marvin Fritz.

Wepol Racing pulled off a surprise third place – the Penz13 squad, who finished second at the 2017 Bol d’Or on a BMW, had switched to Yamaha on the eve of the 2018 edition.

Wepol was involved in a lengthy battle with Bolliger Team Switzerland (Kawasaki), who finished at the foot of the podium thanks to riders Roman Stamm, Sébastien Suchet and Jonathan Hugot.

Suzuki Endurance Racing Team were often in the lead, but various technical gremlins and a capricious clutch caused Vincent Philippe, Etienne Masson and Gregg Black to drop back to fifth at the finish.

The Endurance World Championship now heads into a lengthy break before returning on 20-21 April 2019 at Le Mans in France.

Detailed results