A solid fourth place in the 34th annual Suzuka 8 Hour race in Japan has seen Team BMW Motorrad France 99 take the lead in the FIM QTEL Endurance World Championship with two rounds to go.
BMW decalred it a stunning debut for the S 1000 RR at the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hour. It is different to other championship rounds in that highly competitive local Japanese teams compete with the teams who are contesting the world title.
The riders, Frenchmen Erwan Nigon and S̬bastien Gimbert together with Australian Damian Cudlin were always highly placed, never falling below sixth place and always ahead of their main Endurance World Championship rivals.
"I made a good start and we were immediately fighting for 6th place. It was important that I got a good start without mistakes. This I did and were soon into 4th place and from there we worked hard to keep our position and put a gap on our rivals. I am really happy with the result as it is a difficult race with high ambient temperatures. To leave Japan leading the Endurance World Championship is a beautiful reward for all the hard work done by the team, BMW Motorrad France and Michelin" said a beaming Damien Cudlin.
Team BMW Motorrad France goes into the Le Mans 24 Hour on September 24-25 with a six point lead in the championship.
