The MRP/Tecmas alliance is returning to the FIM Endurance World Championship for the 8 Hours of Spa Motos next week.
While it will run under a new name and count on new riders, the target to win in the Dunlop-equipped Superstock category remains unchanged.
Competing as Champion-MRP-Tecmas, the outfit will be managed by Tecmas head Arnaud Sassone through a partnership with Werner Daemen’s Belgium-based MRP Racing Team.
It has recruited Leandro Mercado and Hannes Soomer to ride alongside Jan Bühn, who was part of the MRP/Tecmas attack in 2024.
Aged 34, Bühn, from Germany, is the senior member of the Champion-MRP-Tecmas line-up with 27-year-old Estonian Soomer the youngest of the trio. Argentine Mercado is 33.
Powered once again by BMW motorcycles, Champion Lubricants has been announced as the alliance’s new title sponsor.
The MRP/Tecmas alliance began in 2023 and was in action at Spa last season
A Champion-MRP-Tecmas statement read: “MRP joins forces with the renowned Tecmas Racing team in a fierce bid to dominate the Stock class during the 8 Hours of Spa Motos. Behind the formidable #37 Superbike squad, MRP is set to add an extra layer of intensity to this spectacular home race, bringing a new, eager team to the grid.
“Partnering with MRP is the Tecmas Racing team led by the Arnaud Sassone, he’s driven more than ever to push the limits and secure victory for this ambitious collaboration.
“While this team is fresh, its mechanics and technical crew boast a wealth of experience from top-tier championships like the EWC, IDM and other prominent racing series. The powerful partnership between MRP and Tecmas, fuelled by main sponsor Champion Lubricants, is sure to shake up the competition and challenge the top stock teams at every turn.
“Our line-up features seasoned riders Hannes Soomer, Tati Mercado, and Jan Bühn, each ready to showcase their skill, speed, and determination on one of the most iconic circuits in motorsport.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to our main partners for making this bold endeavour possible. And we warmly invite fans and thrill-seekers alike to join us for this unforgettable race.”
Leandro Mercado raced with Honda power in the EWC for two seasons
Having made his EWC debut in 2023, Argentine Mercado, 33, returns to the championship after missing last month’s 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans.
“I’m really happy to be back in EWC,” Mercado said. “Spa is a beautiful track and I really enjoy to ride there. For me it will be the first experience in Superstock but I’m really looking forward to race with BMW and the team and to make a good job. Racing a BMW in IDM means I have almost the same bike and for sure this will help. The only thing that will be new for me are the Dunlop tyres, so we have to do a really good day of practice to adapt and be read.”
Hannes Soomer won Superstock in the 2024 Suzuka 8 Hours
Soomer, who the Superstock section of the 45th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race last July, said: “It’s my first time at Spa but I’ve only heard good things about Spa from riders and Werner. He told me every time he goes on this track he smiles from pit exit until he comes back in. It looks brilliant from TV and the onboards, so I am really looking forward. The aim, for sure, is to win but it won’t be easy although Werner knows how to win as a team boss at Spa and the BMW works really good on this track with the top speed.”
Tickets remain on sale for the 8 Hours of Spa Motos with more information available HERE.
Watch the 8 Hours of Spa Motos teaser video here:
Original Source [ FIM EWC ]
