F.C.C. TSR Honda France on the right track for 2026 EWC season
F.C.C. TSR Honda France team completed the Le Mans test in second position, showing strong potential ahead of the 2026 FIM Endurance World Championship, which will kick off with the 24 Heures Motos (April 16–19).
Held on March 31 and April 1 at the Bugatti Circuit, the test took place in cold and tricky track conditions, giving the 13 Honda-powered teams an opportunity to prepare for the opening round of the season.
For the two-time world champions, this test was especially important to integrate the team new mechanics and a third rider, who will join Alan Techer and Corentin Perolari on the #5 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP fitted with Bridgestone tyres.
Scottish rider John McPhee already brings endurance experience, having competed in last year’s 8 Hours of Spa with Tati Team AVA6 Racing. He is also very familiar with the Honda and adds strong experience from Moto2 and Moto3 World Championship, Supersport World Championship and the British Superbike Championship.
On track, the team showed competitive pace from the start. On Day 1, they set the fourth fastest time with a 1:36.276. On Day 2, the riders continued to improve their lap times, confirming both the performance and consistency of the #5 Honda. At the end of the test, the team recorded a best time of 1:34.898, finishing in second place.
This is a promising result that validates the work done over the winter and boosts confidence ahead of the 24 Heures Motos.
Having already won the 24 Heures Motos in 2018, 2020, and 2023, F.C.C. TSR Honda France heads into the new season determined to fight for a third world title.
Tati Team AVA6 Racing also completed a highly productive two-day test, with a strong focus on race pace.
With new riders joining Hugo Clère and Martin Renaudin, both Mike Di Meglio, who brings extensive Honda experience after six seasons with F.C.C. TSR Honda France and Isaac Viñales, the team quickly adapted to the latest technical developments introduced by the team.
The sessions allowed Tati Team AVA6 Racing to gather valuable data, with a clear objective: to maintain strong performance and fight for top results throughout the season.
Another Honda-powered team in the EWC class, Mana-Au Competition, also took part in the test with a renewed lineup. Marco Fetz and Max Schmidt are joined this season by Killian Aebi and Noan Vasta, forming a fresh and motivated squad.
In the Superstock class, 2025 runner-up DAFY-KAEDEAR-RAC41-HONDA posted the fourth-fastest time in its category with a 1:37.427. The team enters the new season with a largely unchanged lineup, Kevin Manfredi, Takeshi Ishizuka and Diego Poncet will be joined by James Westmoreland as the fourth rider.
After finishing second in the championship for the past two seasons, the #41 Honda squad has a clear goal for 2026: fight for the title.
TRT27 AZ MOTO set the sixth fastest time with a 1:38.42. The Honda #27 lineup features Thomas Ward, Thomas Oliver, Eemeli Lahti and Maiku Watanuki.
Meanwhile, National Motos Honda FMA is set to defend its title with an updated four-rider lineup on the #55 Honda. Austrian rider Philipp Steinmayr joins Valentin Suchet, Guillaume Raymond and Johan Nigon.
All Honda teams are now fully focused on the opening round of the 2026 EWC season, the prestigious 24 Heures Motos, which will start at 3:00 PM local time on Saturday, April 18, and finish at 3:00 PM on Sunday, April 19.
''Both test days went really well. We improved our rhythm, the bike is working great, and all three of us were consistent, so it’s a very positive sign for the race. On attack laps, we’re quick with Corentin and John. We’ve shown we can be fast and consistent right away. The team is confident, and with pit stops also under control, we’re ready for race week.''
''Both test days went really well. We improved our rhythm, the bike is working great, and all three of us were consistent, so it’s a very positive sign for the race. On attack laps, we’re quick with Corentin and John. We’ve shown we can be fast and consistent right away. The team is confident, and with pit stops also under control, we’re ready for race week.''
''All in all, both test days went really well. I’m coming off a strong Supersport weekend, so I’m in great shape. Alan and John are both riding well, and we’ve found a solid base for the bike. We’ve tried a few setups and focused on race tyres, and now the bike is not just fast, but comfortable enough for a full 24-hour race. I’m confident heading into race week.''
''All in all, both test days went really well. I’m coming off a strong Supersport weekend, so I’m in great shape. Alan and John are both riding well, and we’ve found a solid base for the bike. We’ve tried a few setups and focused on race tyres, and now the bike is not just fast, but comfortable enough for a full 24-hour race. I’m confident heading into race week.''
''Coming back to Le Mans after many years in Moto3 was a bit strange, but really nice. Riding a full superbike here is quite different, especially approaching turn 1, but I found my rhythm quickly. With only limited laps during testing, every session felt productive. The Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is working really well here, the bike is solid, and lap times aren’t too stressful. My teammates are extremely fast, and overall, I’m feeling consistent and positive. It will be a completely new experience for me, 24 hours is a big step up from the five to eight hours I’ve done before, but I’m really excited for the challenge and looking forward to race week.''
''Coming back to Le Mans after many years in Moto3 was a bit strange, but really nice. Riding a full superbike here is quite different, especially approaching turn 1, but I found my rhythm quickly. With only limited laps during testing, every session felt productive. The Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is working really well here, the bike is solid, and lap times aren’t too stressful. My teammates are extremely fast, and overall, I’m feeling consistent and positive. It will be a completely new experience for me, 24 hours is a big step up from the five to eight hours I’ve done before, but I’m really excited for the challenge and looking forward to race week.''
