Sébastien Gimbert and Erwan Nigon, both members of the BMW Motorrad France team, took first and second place in Le Vigeant.

The BMW Motorrad France team hasn’t had time for a breather recently because, in addition to participating in endurance races, it’s also taking part in the French Superbike Championship. In any case, it’s experiencing victory “on both fronts.” At the third Superbike race its double first and second places earned it an enviable collection of points: Sébastien Gimbert, riding his BMW 1000 RR with an Akrapovič exhaust, won the first race, while his teammate Erwan Nigon was the fastest in the second trial.

Sébastien Gimbert: “I had a great start in the first race and I could put forth in rhythm to escape. Unfortunately the pace car came out in the first round following a fall by several competitors and all my efforts proved futile up to then. After the intervention ended the pace car had to get back into the pace line and then I succeeded and managed to escape with three seconds to get second place. I maintained the gap throughout the race but I knew it was between me and Erwan and so it would be difficult. In any case, I’m also satisfied with finishing second in the second race, given the circumstances. I couldn’t pass Erwan because we were in the same lap. This was another good weekend, the team worked effectively, Michelin always brings us solutions that suit us perfectly, and I’m leaving with 18 points more in the Championship than Erwan.”

Erwan Nigon: “After second place in the first race I wanted my revenge in the second and I got it! I made a very good start, but at the first corner I lost the rear and Julien Da Costa took the opportunity to pass me. I stayed behind a few laps because Julien’s hard to overtake, he brakes really late, so it took a long time to find an opening. In the eighth lap I tried an attack that worked and at that moment my goal was to get away because I knew that Sébastian wasn’t far behind. I concentrated on making up laps without him being able to catch me. It worked as I had hoped and I’m really happy for my team and Michelin for BMW to offer them this victory. I think Sébastien placed with a good pair because they did the double at Nogaro, we gained both wins in Albacete, and here again twice.”

Gimbert leads the overall standings with 128 points, followed by Nigon with 110. The next race takes place the last weekend in June at the Lédenon track.

Photo: BMW Motorrad France