A BITTERSWEET BOL D’OR FOR KEVIN MANFREDI
The final round of the 2026 World Endurance Championship took place at the lightning-fast, winding Circuit Paul Ricard in France with the Bol d’Or 24-hour race. This marked Kevin Manfredi’s ninth consecutive season in the World Endurance Championship. It was at this very French circuit last September that Kevin and the RAC41 Kaedear Dafy Honda team had secured the Superstock world runner-up title.
Once again, the rider from La Spezia arrived at the season finale firmly in the hunt for the title, sitting third in the Superstock standings. The goal was clear: aim for the race win and gather as many points as possible for the championship.
From free practice onwards, Kevin, the RAC41 team, and the Andreani Group worked exclusively in race trim, running the bike with a full fuel load and used tires. Their efforts focused on refining the setup and electronics to ensure the #41 Honda was fast, consistent, and above all rideable throughout the full 24 hours. During the two qualifying sessions, setting a single flying lap wasn't the priority; the team stuck to its race-focused program, finishing 6th and 3rd respectively in the "Blue Group" qualifying sessions, in which Kevin competed.
Given the speed and confidence he had shown, the team once again entrusted the Ligurian rider with the race start. Kevin delivered an excellent performance: by the end of the first stint after one hour of racing the #41 Honda was already running second in its class. Manfredi maintained a highly competitive pace through the next three stints as well, right up until nightfall, allowing RAC41 to hold a steady spot in the Superstock top three for the first eight and a half hours of the race.
Just as the race seemed to be unfolding exactly according to plan, a technical issue with the gearbox arose. The team pulled out all the stops in the pits to repair the CBR1000RR and get it back on track, aiming to finish the race and attempt a difficult comeback. Unfortunately, despite the technicians' tireless efforts, the RAC41 Kaedear Dafy Honda team was forced to retire permanently at 12:30 AM. It was a bitter end after spending more than a third of the race consistently at the front of the Superstock class.
Kevin: "It leaves a bitter taste in the mouth, but unfortunately that’s how these races go; bad luck is always just around the corner... The breakdown wasn't caused by an error on our part, which confirms that we did everything right. I’m still proud of this season: I was faster and more well-rounded on every circuit compared to last year, and I know I always gave 100%, proving myself to be a benchmark rider in the Superstock class under any conditions, without ever making a mistake.
During practice and qualifying at Paul Ricard, we weren't chasing a single 'flying lap,' but the strategy paid off in the race; we stayed in the Top 3 throughout and managed to ride one lap longer than our rivals before each pit stop. It would have been great to celebrate on the podium again and secure a top-three finish in the World Championship, but I hope this is just a case of 'postponed, not cancelled.' I feel in great shape and will give it my all again next season to achieve my goal."
Although the 2026 FIM Endurance World Championship has concluded, Manfredi’s racing season isn't over yet: the rider from La Spezia will compete in the final round of the Italian Speed Championship (CIV), where he has already secured a podium finish at Mugello riding the Atomico Racing Team Ducati. The decisive event is scheduled for the weekend of October 10–11 at the Vallelunga circuit.
Kevin thanks all the sponsors and technical partners for the 2026 season.