The Albacete 8 Horas Nocturnas round of the FIM World Endurance Championship takes place this Saturday, the 21st of May.

All-Nighter

The race will run from 6:00pm on Saturday evening until 2:00am on Sunday morning, and the usual off-track endurance weekend activities will be supported by the presence of top Spanish radio show "Los 40 Principales" broadcasting live from the circuit during the race. Admission to the race costs just …10, with entry free for children under the age of 16.

Although the Albacete circuit is fully illuminated, racing at night brings its own special demands. With the race starting well before sun-down and running into the coolest part of the night, track temperatures and conditions are likely to change significantly between each rider taking his first and second relays on the bike. The circuit layout is also tough on engines, transmissions and brakes; a real test of man and machine.

Riders and Teams

Championship leading Suzuki Castrol are hoping that their rider Vincent Philippe - who broke his leg in testing last month - will be back up to full fitness in time for the race. Meanwhile the Aprilia Motociclismo Test Team have drafted in former 250 GP, WSB and MotoGP test rider Marcellino Lucchi to support their return to International competition, and Serafino Foti will join the Yamaha X-One squad.

A total of 31 entries have been received for the race. The ranks of permanent teams will be joined by a number of strong Spanish entries, particularly the Folch Yamahas and W…rth Honda; Spain has a thriving national endurance series which raced recently at Albacete.

Championship Points

The number of points awarded at middle-distance races such as the Albacete 8 Horas Nocturnas and the Suzuka 8 Hours has changed this year. The race winner will earn 30 points, second place 24 points, third place 19 points, and so on down to 1 point for 15th place.

May 4th 2005