Leandro ‘Tati’ Mercado is in no doubt how “beautiful” racing by day and by night really is following his debut in the FIM Endurance World Championship last weekend.
Mercado became the first rider from Argentina to race in the EWC season-opening 24 Heures Motos when he linked up with team-mates Florian Alt and Steven Odendaal, plus fourth rider James Westmoreland, for what marked the Viltaïs Racing team’s first EWC event with Honda power.
After finishing a fine fourth overall, Mercado wrote on Facebook: After all I've been through, I really realise how beautiful endurance is. Happy with my first career experience where I experienced all sorts of situations. Riding in three degrees temperature, fog, tired but always pushing to keep up. We were close to the podium, I can't ask for more on my debut and many thanks to the team and my colleagues for the great work.
South African Odendaal said: What an incredible race. Our team managed P4 in some of the toughes conditions I have ever ridden in. It was a true test for men and machine. A huge thanks to my team, Honda Viltais Racing, and well done to my team-mates for their hard work. A big congratulations to Honda for the incredible machine they have produced.
Team Manager Yannick Lucot, added: “This was our first race with the Honda. The bike works very well and we didn’t have any technical or mechanical problem during the 24 hours. I would also like to highlight all the work done by the team to get the bike ready. We came very close to the podium and this is a great satisfaction.
Our other great satisfaction concerns the riders. A few years ago we introduced Florian Alt to endurance racing and we saw what he could do. Two years ago we did the same with Steven Odendaal and the result is also there. Leandro Mercado is already following the same path.
Original Source [ FIM EWC ]
