A triumphant single rider strategy for YART Yamaha at the 8 Hours of Sepang ultimately saw Australian Broc Parkes sit out the second stop of the 2019/2020 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC).

The rain-affected event saw the race reduced to under three hours, and with Parkes scheduled to ride in the final 30 minutes, it was decided to leave Niccolo Canepa out on a drying track and bring the victory home. The same decision was made earlier in the race when fill-in Karel Hanika was set to take the reigns.

“It was shorter than expected because of the weather, but no less exhausting for that,” said YART team manager Mandy Kainz. “We had a problem with the bike in the early stages of the race, but Niccolo did an incredible job to fight his way through to the front in difficult conditions and without any electronic rider aids.

“At the first pit stop it was tight at the front of the race, so we decided to keep Niccolo on the bike, rather than lose time while Karel got used to the conditions. We made the same decision at the final pit stop, opting to stick with Niccolo rather than putting Broc on the bike for the final 30 minutes on a damp but drying track.

“It was the correct decision and it paid dividends for us in the end. So, thanks to the team and the riders for a fantastic job – this win puts us back in the game as far as the championship is concerned. Finally, I wish Marvin a speedy recovery and I look forward to seeing him back on the bike, and hopefully on the podium, in Le Mans.”

YART Yamaha is now ranked fourth in the championship standings as the EWC heads to Le Mans on 18-19 April 2020 for round three.