2013 FIM Endurance World Championship
Following the departure of Cameron Donald from Honda TT Legends FIM Endurance World Championship lineup, it was unknown who would join replace the Australian.
But although Honda TT Legends didn’t schedule a rider for all four rounds of the 2013 EWC, it did report on who would fill in during two 24-hour races – three-time Isle of Man TT winner Michael Dunlop.
Dunlop, who was previously due to only compete in the team’s road-racing program (North West 200, Isle of Man TT, will join Honda TT Legends for the Bol d’Or in Spain this April, and the Le Mans 24 Hour in France in September.
Dunlop will pilot the CBR1000RR Firebird alongside John McGuinness, Simon Andrews and Michael Rutter.
Dunlop will also act as reserve rider for the Suzuka 8-hour, however he will only attend the Japanese event should McGuinness, Andrews or Rutter be unable to compete. He will not be involved in the Oschersleben 8-hour as the race clashes with the Ulster Grand Prix, in which Dunlop will compete with his own team, Honda TT Legends reports.
Michael Dunlop (Honda TT Legends) says: “It’s a great opportunity for me to join the EWC side of the Honda TT Legends as well as doing the road racing. I spent a decent amount of time with the crew in France and Spain last week and put a good few laps on the bike, so I already feel like part of the team.
“I’ve not done endurance racing before but I’m sure I’ll get to grips with the short track laps soon enough. Spending more time on the bike can only be a good thing in terms of bike fitness, and that all helps on the roads so I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.”
Neil Tuxworth (Honda TT Legends Team Manager) says: “Michael came to Albacete last week with the priority of testing his TT machine, however we also gave him the opportunity to ride the EWC bike. We were very impressed with Michael’s approach to testing, his consistency and the information he was able to feed back to the team.
“In addition, with the efforts he has made with his training and physical fitness so far, we feel he deserves the opportunity to become the fourth member of the EWC team. We are very pleased to welcome him to the endurance side of things and we’re looking forward to working with him in 2013 to further develop his career.”
2013 Endurance World Championship calendar:
- Bol d’Or 24-hour, Magny Cours, France: April 21
- Suzuka 8-hour, Japan: July 28
- Oschersleben 8-hour, Germany: Aug. 18
- Le Mans 24-hour, France: Sept. 21
