Bartosz Zmarzlik, a three-time FIM Speedway Grand Prix world champion, experienced two-wheeled action of a different kind today (Tuesday) when he rode a Yamaha for leading FIM Endurance World Championship squad Wójcik Racing Team.
The 28-year-old joined the EWC podium-placing Polish outfit at the Tor Poznań circuit during Speed Day, a track day event Wójcik Racing Team has been using as part of its preparations for next week’s 24H SPA EWC Motos, round two of the 2023 EWC season.
Zmarzlik completed four 20-minute sessions onboard the team’s Yamaha YZF-R3, a training bike used by Wójcik junior rider Mateusz Molik, a 16-year-old who won the opening European Supersport 300 Alpe Adria event at the Slovakia Ring two weeks ago.
The Speedway hero took to the track under the watchful eye of FIM EWC racer and reigning Polish Superbike champion Marek Szkopek, with whom he famously swapped bikes for a day back in 2019.
Wójcik Racing Team EWC riders Christoffer Bergman and Sheridan Morais were also in attendance with both successfully completing their first laps after returning to action from injury.
It was great to meet my friends from the Wójcik Racing Team again and do some laps on a circuit that’s quite different to the ones I’m used to, and all under watchful eyes of the FIM EWC riders, said Zmarzlik. I’m really happy to make this dream come true for the second time in my life. A racing bike is completely different to my Speedway bike, with different speeds, grip levels and riding styles, but it’s such a great fun. Massive thanks to Sławek and the entire team for making this happen. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for them during the upcoming FIM Endurance World Championship race in Spa.
Sławomir Kubzdyl, Team Manager of Wójcik Racing Team, said: We are very happy that Bartek joined us at the track again. We share the passion for motorcycles and been good friends for many years. Even if the aim of this track day was just for Bartek to have some fun, his professional approach was very motivating and inspiring for our entire team to see. He also impressed us with his pace, confidence and body position. In some corners he was even braking later than Marek! Our garage doors are always open for him, so I hope we’ll be able to ride together again soon.
Wójcik Racing Team has also revealed its planned rider line-up for next week’s 24H SPA EWC Motos, which takes place at the legendary Belgian track from 16-18 June. Frenchman Mathieu Gines will share the squad’s #77 Formula EWC Yamaha with Spain’s Isaac Vinales and South Africa-born Morais. Swede Bergman will switch to the #777 Dunlop Superstock Trophy-chasing entry alongside Polish pair Kamil Krzemień and Szkopek, plus Briton Danny Webb.
Kevin Manfredi, who took the Superstock trophy pole for last season's 24H SPA EWC Motos, won't be in action in Belgium due to a clashing MotoE commitment but the Italian will return to the EWC with Wójcik for the next event.
Original Source [ FIM EWC ]
