FFM chief Sébastien Poirier has flagged off the 46-strong field entered in the 44th Le Mans 24 Hours Motos. For the second consecutive year, the race is a closed-door event due to the ongoing health situation.

Pierre Fillon, President, Automobile Club de l’Ouest: The 44th Le Mans 24 Hours Motos is finally underway! A field of this size in the current climate is very impressive. Now for 24 hours of thrills and suspense for competitors and viewers alike, before we toast the winners tomorrow at noon.

Sébastien Poirier, President of the French Motorcycling Federation: The Le Mans 24 Hours Motos is a legendary race and this 2021 vintage will undoubtedly write another page in the sport’s history books. This event is a marker for the motorcycle racing season. Fans have once again been kept away but I know they will be glued to their screens. I am proud to have been invited by the ACO to act as official starter. It is a great honour not only for me, but for the entire Federation, its volunteers, Moto-Clubs and members. Many thanks to Pierre Fillon and the ACO.

François Ribeiro, Head of Eurosport Events: The 2021 FIM EWC Championship opens with a hotly contested race. This bodes very well for this new season, which is still affected by the constraints of the global health crisis. The top teams are more and more efficient and the private teams are always there. The 24 Hours Motos will therefore once again be a spectacular event.

Led by the #7 YART-YAMAHA in pole position, the highly competitive field – including last year’s winner F.C.C. TSR Honda France (#5) – took to the track with the firm intention of finishing well up the rankings tomorrow at noon.