The Elf Marc VDS / KM99 Team forced to retire due to engine failure at the 2025 Bol d’Or, final round of the FIM EWC

This weekend marked the grand finale of the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) at the Circuit Paul Ricard. The Belgian Elf Marc VDS / KM99 Team, which claimed a podium finish with a superb 2nd place here last year, came with the ambition of repeating that success after securing a solid result at the previous round in Japan.

Randy de Puniet, declared unfit to race by the medical team after a crash during Tuesday’s private test, was forced to sit out. As a result, the team’s 4th rider was promoted to a starter’s role for this decisive round.

And what a luxury substitute it was: Italian Alessandro Delbianco, freshly crowned Italian Superbike Champion, stepped in to defend the Elf Marc VDS / KM99 colors alongside regulars Florian Marino and Jérémy Guarnoni.

Qualifying turned out to be rather challenging, with the team starting 9th on the grid. However, this result did not reflect the true race pace of the #99 Yamaha, which was far more promising and gave the team confidence heading into the race.

Apart from a safety car period caused by an oil spill after just over an hour, the first third of the race unfolded in relative calm. The riders of the “felines” team steadily gained ground, climbing to 7th place after eight hours of racing and securing 4 valuable points in the championship. The following hours were well managed, with the riders delivering consistent stints and the mechanics executing fast and precise pit stops.

But shortly after the halfway mark—around 3 a.m., with the team already several hours into its night stints while running 6th—the Yamaha #99 had to be brought back to the box after stopping on track.

The verdict was devastating: a major engine failure forced the team to retire.

It was a huge disappointment, especially as this was the first mechanical issue in the team’s three-year history to result in retirement. The strong and consistent pace shown from the start had promised a top result, but fate had other plans. Such are the unpredictable realities of motorsport.

The Elf Marc VDS / KM99 Team wishes to warmly thank all its members for their unwavering commitment, its partners for their trust, and the fans for their incredible support. The team is already looking ahead to next season, determined to come back stronger and fight for redemption.

For more information and updates on Team Elf Marc VDS Racing Team/KM99, please visit our official website (www.KM99.be) and our social media channels.

Contacts :
Gaetan SCHYNS, Team Owner : gaetan@km99.be
Mario KUPPER, Team Manager: mario@km99.be
Dario SCHYNS, Communication & SN: dario@km99.be