2025 Motegi Winter Test — Report (February 21–22)
Ahead of the Le Mans season opener, Team Étoile ran a two-day winter test at Mobility Resort Motegi in around 6°C — closely evaluating cold-condition tyre performance and pit work, and coming away with an encouraging start.
Team Étoile conducted a winter test at Mobility Resort Motegi on February 21–22, 2025, as a crucial step toward the upcoming Le Mans 24 Hours Endurance Race in April. Focusing on low-temperature performance and refining pit work operations, the team gathered valuable data to optimize tire selection and overall machine performance for the season ahead.
With ambient temperatures around 6°C, conditions closely resembled the cold nighttime environment expected at Le Mans. This provided an ideal opportunity to evaluate tire grip, durability, and the BMW M1000RR’s behavior in demanding circumstances. The resulting insights will play a significant role in shaping the team’s race strategy.
Building on last season’s experience, Team Étoile once again fielded the BMW M1000RR, reassessing previous performance data and further refining the machine’s setup. Newly recruited young rider, Motoharu Ito, transitioned smoothly from Honda, demonstrating a solid understanding of load transfer and tire characteristics despite limited track time. His performance highlighted strong potential for future growth, giving the team further confidence in its four-rider lineup.
Additionally, the team simulated key endurance-race elements such as pit work and race starts, enabling members to reaffirm their roles and streamline operational protocols. While certain areas for improvement were identified, the overall results proved highly positive, enhancing both teamwork and preparedness.
Through this winter test, Team Étoile comprehensively evaluated tire performance, machine characteristics, and endurance-specific factors under challenging conditions, boosting confidence for the upcoming season. The team will continue moving forward in pursuit of top results in the EWC series, beginning with the Le Mans 24 Hours Endurance Race.
Rider & team principal comments
Rider
Hikari Okubo
“The main objective of this test was to evaluate tires in cold conditions, especially for the nighttime stints at Le Mans. Although it was a bit warmer than anticipated, assessing tire performance on a less-warm track surface was extremely valuable. We were able to gain a clear sense of how the tires behave in cooler conditions, and I believe the experience we acquired will greatly benefit our efforts at Le Mans.”
Rider
Kazuki Watanabe
“Just before the test, I was training in Hokkaido and unfortunately injured my foot slightly the day before. I was worried about causing concern for the team owner and my teammates, but I’m relieved I was able to complete all test programs over the two days without any issues. Riding in these cold conditions was an excellent simulation for Le Mans, where night temperatures can approach 2°C. This test was perfectly timed, and we’ll keep working hard to secure a strong result in the season opener, so please continue to support us!”
Rider
Motoharu Ito
“Over the two days, I was able to ride with great comfort. This was my first experience on the BMW M1000RR, and I also ran on the Dunlop tires used in the EWC SST class. Since I was using slightly worn tires, I couldn’t feel a drastic difference at first, but I gained a solid understanding of the BMW’s characteristics. On the first day, I only completed nine laps, but on the second day, I managed to ride more and gradually deepen my familiarity with the bike. Having raced on Honda machines until now, the transition to BMW feels fresh—especially in the nuances of front-to-rear weight transfer. It’s truly exciting to be on a new machine, and I’m committed to strengthening my connection with it for the upcoming Le Mans test.”
Rider
Kyosuke Okuda
“Although it was warmer than expected, once the sun set, the temperature dropped noticeably, and we got a good sense of how conditions can change. Even so, the overall environment allowed for smooth riding and further understanding of the bike. This test was very valuable, and I believe it marks a significant step forward for the future.”
Team Principal
Takashi Ichikawa
“In the Le Mans 24 Hours Endurance Race, our goals include securing a strong finish, earning vital championship points, and ultimately contending for the series title. This year, we have a consistent four-rider lineup that we believe will provide a stable foundation. As part of our mission to develop young riders, we strive for both strong results and growth opportunities. In this test, we not only deepened our knowledge of the machine but also gathered the critical data needed for race conditions. While a few areas need attention, we’re ready to address them before Le Mans. Step by step, we will continue moving forward toward our ultimate goal.”
Photo gallery
