Iconic Bugatti Circuit Awaits WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team

10-05-2022

Iconic Bugatti Circuit Awaits WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team

Andrea Dovizioso and Darryn Binder head to France with strengthened self-confidence this week.

With the first six rounds in the books, the legendary Bugatti Circuit in Le Mans, France - a favorite for riders, teams and fans - will host the seventh race of the 2022 MotoGP World Championship season this weekend. While the weather is traditionally playing a major role in Le Mans, the forecast promises a sunny weekend so far.

Although he couldn’t score points last time out in Jerez, Spain, WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team’s Andrea Dovizioso found some minor improvements throughout the official test on Monday at the same circuit in terms of setup and riding. Yet, the Italian is eager to arrive in France to implement what he learned during the test on the Grand Prix weekend.

On the other hand, Darryn Binder following a tough weekend in the South of Spain, found a decent feeling in the race on Sunday, but didn’t manage to finish it. Like his teammate, the MotoGP rookie experimented on some settings of his machine on Monday after the last race, and is now eager to start the seventh round at the Bugatti Circuit, which historically suited the Yamaha YZR-M1.

The weekend will be classically opened with Free Practice one on Friday at 09:55 local time for the premier class, followed by the second session at 14:10 local time.

Andrea Dovizioso

WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Racing Team

“Le Mans is a really good track for me. I always did well there and always had some good sensations. Therefore, I’m happy to go there and hope we’ll have good weather, which usually is not the case, but we stay optimistic. Overall, especially after the test in Jerez, I’m very excited to arrive in France this weekend for the seventh round of the season.”

Darryn Binder

WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Racing Team

“I’m really excited to get to Le Mans after Jerez and also after having the test on the Monday. I was working hard last weekend to arrive in a decent shape in France. I feel good and strong and I can’t wait to see what the track has in store for us. You never know what happens with the weather there, but I feel positive and really look forward to Le Mans, a track, I usually enjoy a lot.”

Razlan Razali

Founder and Team Principal, WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Racing Team

“The French Grand Prix, round seven, will be interesting, mainly because of the weather factor. We hope it remains dry for Darryn to learn to ride his Yamaha YZR-M1 on the Bugatti Circuit, as dry sessions are always better for a rookie to learn – and of course for Andrea as well. I think a lot of riders prefer dry weather rather than wet. Le Mans will be exciting, because we know traditionally Yamaha is doing well at this track. World Championship leader Fabio (Quartararo) has shown last year, that the bike works very well there. Therefore, we are looking forward to Le Mans this week and we will try to score some points.”

Wilco Zeelenberg

WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Racing Team, Team Manager

“Round seven is upon us. After the test in Jerez, the boys were ready for a short rest, but now we are looking forward to Le Mans. Hopefully the weather will be consistent, because it’s usually a bit of an issue there, as Le Mans is in the middle of the country and it’s always pretty cloudy and rainy. At the moment, it looks pretty good though. Anyway, the Yamaha has always been very successful at this track and we are looking forward on what we can do during this French Grand Prix.”