20 points for GMT94 Yamaha

Despite a stop-and-go shortly after nightfall and an unscheduled pit stop to change a timing chain sprocket, GMT94 Yamaha is still right up front battling for the lead with F.C.C. TSR Honda France. One lap behind the leader, Honda Endurance Racing and Suzuki Endurance Racing Team continue to wage their duel. Suzuki Endurance Racing Team lost time in the pits during the night because of a gear selector and muffler issue.

The BMWs were lapping right behind the factory-backed teams on Saturday night, but have since fallen back. Wepol BMW Motorrad by Penz13 is lapping in 5th place, ahead of Völpker NRT48 Schubert Motors by ERC. Tecmas BMW has withdrawn with a broken engine, while Czech team IV Racing BMW CSEU has lost some ground and been overtaken by the top two Superstocks: Tati Team Beaujolais Racing and Team 33 Accessoires Louit Moto.

Two-man team Stéphane Egéa and Emeric Jonchière are turning in a stalwart performance in 10th place for National Motos.

34 machines still on the track16 hours into the race, 34 machines are still on the track. A few of the favourites threw in the towel early on. The race started at a cracking pace under the leadership of Randy de Puniet, whose 1’58.386 lap for Team SRC Kawasaki remains the fastest of the race so far. Randy’s solo act lasted for 16 laps, after which the ZX 10R #11 returned to the pits for good with a broken engine.

Another favourite, YART Yamaha, was forced to withdraw 6 hours into the race after plunging to the bottom of the standings following Kohta Nozane’s crash.

The very first team to withdraw was Team 18 Sapeurs Pompiers, 10 laps in, with a broken engine. Maco Racing withdrew a quarter of the way in, followed by a slew of other teams during the night: Yamaha Viltaïs Experiences and RAC41 Honda, both after crashing; Ecurie Chrono Sport and Atomic Motosport with a broken engine and Team April Moto Motors Events as a result of electrical and electronic issues.

The race is scheduled to wind up at 3pm on the Paul Ricard circuit.

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