The Paul Ricard Circuit in France has, for years, been the prestigious stage of the 24h Bol D'Or, the last seasonal event of the World Endurance Championship.
This year too, the race took place in September, with the participation of 45 teams and 163 riders, including some former MotoGP, Superbike and other important categories.
Kevin Manfredi from La Spezia has made a dream come true, that of being an official rider for the Honda brand, proving that he is up to the role.
Kevin was the fourth rider for Team TSR FCC Honda France, one of the most renowned teams in the World Endurance Championship. His task was to carry out the tests and try to qualify, remaining available as a reserve.
Team TSR FCC Honda France offered Kevin the opportunity to participate in qualifying, with used tires and 20 minutes per session. Manfredi immediately highlighted his potential on the number 5 Honda.
In the first qualifying session, he finished 6th in the SBK category and 11th overall, testing a Superbike and Bridgestone tires for the first time.
In the second session, after just 10 laps, he achieved 2nd overall time, demonstrating great driving skill.
An extraordinary job, also appreciated by the team leader, the Japanese Fujii, who said he was very satisfied with Kevin's performance.
Kevin: "It was a test weekend. I had never ridden an official SBK nor had I ever tried the Bridgestones, but I knew I was ready and I gave it my all. The second time in qualifying was the icing on the cake. I returned to having fun in the saddle, and every session has given me an incredible desire to get back on the track. I thank Team TSR FCC and Honda France for allowing me to be an official rider for a weekend, but my goal is to be one for an entire season that this test opens the doors for a full-time opportunity in the future. For the race, Honda and TSR made me available to Team No Limits, an old acquaintance, with whom I made my debut in the World Endurance Championship in 2017. "
In the race, Kevin Manfredi got off the Honda SBK with Bridgestone to get on a Honda Stock with Dunlop, and without wasting time he immediately demonstrated his talent and ability to adapt. In the first two stints of the race he maintained top positions, setting, after a few laps, the third best time in his category.
Unfortunately, the weekend was not lucky for either Team TSR Honda or Team No Limits, with both teams forced to withdraw due to technical problems.
Kevin Manfredi will now prepare for the last seasonal commitment on the Imola circuit, before the winter break and preparation for the 2025 season.
Kevin thanks all the sponsors and technical partners of the 2024 season.
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