Lennox Lehmann (Motobox): “The Bol d’Or will be a battle of endurance”

This weekend, Lennox Lehmann faces one of the biggest challenges of the endurance racing season. At the Bol d’Or on the Circuit Paul Ricard, the Dresden-born rider will share the Motobox-Kremer Yamaha with Max Stauffer and Bastian Ubl. The aim for the 24-hour race is not so much to achieve a specific finishing position as to complete the distance with as few problems as possible.

The rider line-up differs significantly from previous EWC rounds. Twan Smits and Dirk Geiger will not be taking part in the Bol d’Or. Both are focusing on the Euro Moto season finale at the Hockenheimring, which takes place just one week later.

For Geiger, the title in the Supersport class is at stake there, whilst Smits, having recently secured four consecutive victories, still has a chance of finishing as runner-up in the Superbike class. Motobox Kremer will therefore be fielding Stauffer and Ubl alongside regular rider Lehmann at Le Castellet.

Good atmosphere at the test in Le Castellet

Preparations for the EWC finale were not entirely straightforward for the team. Unlike many of their rivals, Motobox Kremer had not taken part in the previous test at the Circuit Paul Ricard and therefore had to catch up on set-up work during the official test sessions.

Beim Test musste das Team Arbeit nachholen

Foto: Motobox Kremer

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“The test actually went as expected,” Lehmann told SPEEDWEEK.com. “As we weren’t here for the pre-test, it was naturally a bit more complicated for us. But in the end, we managed it quite well.”

Nevertheless, there is a sense of confidence within the team ahead of the season finale. “The atmosphere in the team is, as always, very good. We’re working hard and the whole team is motivated to keep moving up the order,” assured the 20-year-old.

High proportion of full-throttle driving: the engines suffer

Motobox Kremer, on the other hand, does not have a sophisticated tactical plan for the 24-hour race. For Lehmann, another factor is clearly the main priority: getting the bike to the finish line over the full distance. “To be honest, there isn’t really a grand strategy for the 24 hours,” explained the Yamaha rider. “Especially here at the Bol d’Or, it’s absolutely crucial to make it to the finish line without any major problems.”

The Circuit Paul Ricard poses particular challenges for both rider and machine. Over 24 hours, it’s not just lap times that count, but above all reliability. Accordingly, Lehmann wants to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the Yamaha. “It’s going to be a real battle of endurance for everyone,” predicts the Saxon. “So it’s crucial to be as gentle as possible on the bike.”

Der hohe Vollgasanteil belastet die Motoren extrem

Foto: FIM EWC

For Lehmann, the EWC finale thus offers the next opportunity to gain vital endurance racing experience. At the Suzuka 8 Hours, he had to pull out of the race following a heavy crash in practice and an injury to his right little finger.

At the Bol d’Or, the plan this time is to complete the full distance. Following the difficult build-up, the main priority for Lehmann, Stauffer and Ubl is therefore to avoid mistakes, look after the bike and see the chequered flag after 24 hours.