Anthony Delhalle, a self-effacing and popular champion succumbed to injuries incurred at the racing track in Nogaro, south-west France this morning. He was taking part in the first test of the season, in preparation for the Le Mans 24 Hours Moto in April. He was 35 years old.
A native of Chartres, Delhalle embarked on a racing career in 1999, competing in the Junior Cup.
A key member of SERT, he took part in the Le Mans 24 Hours Moto for the first time in 2004, riding a Suzuki for Team Perche Moto Sport.
He went on to compete in the iconic race eleven times, coming second in 2011 and 2012 and claiming victory in 2014 and 2015, both times with a Suzuki GSX-R 1000 fielded by Le Mans-based team SERT.
On his way to the top class, EWC, Delhalle established an excellent track record in Superstock, winning in 2007 with the Le Mans Sud Suzuki junior team and again in 2010 with Qatar Endurance Racing Team.
The famous Bol d’Or did not escape Delhalle. He took part no less than thirteen times, claiming three podium places and the trophy in 2011 and 2016.
A true champion, Delhalle won the World Endurance Championionship five times (with Suzuki), his speed and consistency making him difficult to beat.
His discreet nature and great kindness will be missed in racing circles.
The ACO salutes a great champion.
Pierre FILLON, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “It is with great sadness that we received the news of Anthony Delhalle’s tragic death. An outstanding and popular rider, he is a part of the history of the Le Mans 24 Hours Moto and will be sadly missed by his endurance racing family. On behalf of the ACO and all its staff, I extend my condolences to his family and friends, to Dominique Meliand, the SERT and Suzuki."
Anthony Delhalle
Born on 11 January 1982 in Chartres (Eure-et-Loire)
Competition début: 1999 (Junior Cup)
Le Mans 24 Hours Motos
2004: 24th (16th SST) – Team Perche Moto Sport – Suzuki GSX-R – Leblanc/Linot
2005: 11th (3rd SST) – Scratch Moto Angers – Kawasaki ZX10-R – De Rosa/Moreira
2007: 6th (1st STT) – Junior Team Le Mans Sud Suzuki – Suzuki GSX-R – F.Foray/Jonnchiere
2008: 8th (2nd STT) – Q.E.R.T – Suzuki GSX-R – M.Al-Naimi/Al-Mannai
2009: 6th (2nd STT) – Q.E.R.T – Suzuki GSX-R – M.Al-Naimi/Shinjo
2010: 7th (2nd STT) – Q.E.R.T – Suzuki GSX-R – M.Al-Naimi/Shinjo
2011: 2nd – Suzuki Endurance Racing Team – Suzuki GSX-R – Guittet/Sakaï
2012: 2nd – Suzuki Endurance Racing Team – Suzuki GSX-R – Philippe/Tsuda
2014: Winner – Suzuki Endurance Racing Team – Suzuki GSX-R – Philippe/Tsuda
2015: Winner – Suzuki Endurance Racing Team – Suzuki GSX-R – Philippe/Masson
2016: 5th (5th EWC) – Suzuki Endurance Racing Team – Suzuki GSX-R – Philippe/Masson
International
2007: World Endurance Champion, Superstock
2008: World Endurance Champion, Superstock
2009: World Endurance Champion, Superstock
2011: World Endurance Champion
2012: World Endurance Champion
2013: World Endurance Champion
2014: World Endurance Championship Runner-Up
2015: World Endurance Champion
2016: World Endurance Champion