One of the most successful FIM Endurance World Cup team bosses has backed the new-for-2025 FIM Production World Trophy, highlighting the greater accessibility and affordability it will bring to the EWC.
Yannick Bureau, who heads the 2022 title-winning Team 18 Sapeurs Pompiers CMS Motostore outfit, was speaking following the EWC season-deciding Bol d’Or, where his Yamaha-powered squad secured top honours in the Dunlop-equipped Superstock category.
"I see the creation of the new category positively for several reasons,” Bureau said. “The number of bikes on the grid, whether at Le Mans or Bol d’Or, decreases despite the promoter's efforts, which are substantial. Including new categories and participants in the championship, such as the Production World Trophy, is very interesting. If it’s made accessible, it will attract more people, which is vital from an economic perspective for both organisers and promoters.
“As a team manager, I know many people – beginners looking to get into endurance, teams racing in Barcelona because it’s more affordable, or those in national endurance races – and for them, entering EWC is a huge investment.
“Competing in Superstock today requires significantly more resources than it did 20 years ago, and a lower-tier category is necessary. It’s important to remember that endurance racing once had four categories. It used to be called Superproduction, which bridged Superstock and Superbike, and it worked well so it’s good to revisit it.
“Regarding the potential skill gap on the track, I’ll leave that to the riders to discuss, but it’s up to the federation to establish the right regulations to keep it safe for the riders. I’m confident they’ll figure it out.”
The FIM Production World Trophy explained
Part of the exciting pathway to the top of the FIM Endurance World Championship developed in by EWC promoter Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe in partnership with the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, the FIM Production World Trophy is a new entry-level category from the 2025 season.
Competitors will race 1000cc motorcycles that closely resemble their roadgoing counterparts but with only basic modifications allowed to limit running costs and ensure the new class is accessible both financially and in performance terms.
With these targets in mind, only the standard fuel tank can be used and replaced during pitstops with the aid of a secured quick-release connector rather than by refuelling the motorcycle. A minimum pitstop time will be regulated for safety reasons.
Significantly, FIM Production World Trophy contenders will get the opportunity to compete on track at the same time as the Formula EWC and Superstock riders and benefit from live broadcasting and exposure on the EWC’s official channels.
FIM Production World Trophy will be contested across the EWC season with teams counting their best three scores.
An overview of the sporting regulations will become available in due course and a single tyre supplier will also be confirmed.
Original Source [ FIM EWC ]
