Every motor sports fan should be familiar with “Le Mans”. The legendary 24-hour race, which has been attracting people from all over the world to the city of 145,000 inhabitants since 1923, makes the city a racing mecca. But Le Mans can do more than just 4 wheels, two-wheel racing is also duly celebrated here – so we welcome you to the anniversary race “SHARK Grand Prix de France” at the Bugatti Circuit being the 1000th Grand Prix in MotoGP™ history.
Get ready for racing event of the extra class: a narrow width and numerous curves, where the riders have to throttle their bikes way down, make the track technically extremely demanding. More than 110,000 motorsport enthusiasts are expected this coming weekend to experience the Grand Prix in a unique atmosphere and to cheer on our two CFMOTO factory riders #43 Xavi Artigas and #66 Joel Kelso, among others.
In 1966, the most demanding part of the 24-hour circuit was converted into a permanent race track – the beginnings of the Circuit Bugatti. After several safety modifications to the track, it became part of the MotoGP™ racing calendar in 2000 and today boasts a total length of 4,185 m, with 6 right-hand and 4 left-hand corners. As already mentioned, it is less about high speed and more about technical skills.
After a great last race in Jerez, southern Spain, in which Xavi was in the race for second place at times, he and the team naturally hope to finish in the points again next Sunday. And Joel, who still had a hard time in Jerez due to his injured ankle, also showed a more than respectable performance and hopes with a week more time for recovery in the luggage, to get a bit closer to his original performances.
#43 Xavier Artigas
“I remember Le Mans as difficult from my last season, but I’m focused on the here and now. The set-up and feel are definitely right and the results are going in the right direction, I’m excited to see what FrenchGP will bring.”
#66 Joel Kelso
“After the race in Jerez was a good start to get back into race mode, I am confident that I can push harder in France and push my limits. The team is doing a great job, we’ve been working hard again the last few days. I’m looking forward to being able to show that.”
Timetable of the SHARK Grand Prix de France from 12 May – 14 May for the Moto3™
FRIDAY, 12 May 2023
09:00 – 09:35 (CET)
13:15 – 13:50 (CET)
Moto3™
Moto3™
Free Practice Nr. 1
Free Practice Nr. 2
SATURDAY, 13 May 2023
08:40- 09:10 (CET)
12:50– 13:05 (CET)
13:15– 13:30 (CET)
Moto3™
Moto3™
Moto3™
Free Practice Nr. 3
Qualifying Nr. 1
Qualifying Nr. 2
SUNDAY, 14 May 2023
11:00 (CET)
Moto3™
Race (22 Laps)
