IRRC champion Vincent Lonbois: “The title is the reward for all our efforts.”

Munich (DE), 27th October 2016. It was a brilliant 2016 season for Vincent Lonbois (BE) in the International Road Racing Championship (IRRC), crowned by the title win at the finale in Frohburg (DE). It was only his second year in the closely fought series, but a dream start with winning the first four races made the 26-year old the favourite for the big title. He stayed in front of the overall standings for the entire season. Lonbois finished every encounter on the podium. In the 12 races held this season, he celebrated eight wins, two second and two third places on his Herpigny Motors BMW Motorrad Belux BMW S 1000 RR.

Lonbois, who works in the family owned bakery when not racing, joined the team for the 2015 season. That year, he won the titles in the national Superbike championships in Belgium and Holland as well as in the BeNeCup, while at the same time getting acquainted with the road circuits in the IRRC. He completely focused on one goal: to be the IRRC champion in 2016. Now he has accomplished this mission. Lonbois was crowned champion in a series dominated by BMW S 1000 RR riders, who took the top three places in the championship standings. Second place went to Lonbois’ team-mate and 2015 champion Sébastien Le Grelle (BE), Didier Grams (DE / G&G Motorsport) ended the season third overall.

In an interview, Lonbois speaks about the secret of his success, the domination of the RR in the series, the fascination of road racing and the BMW Motorrad Race Trophy, in which he currently holds second place.

Congratulations Vincent for winning the title in the 2016 International Road Racing Championship. You used 2015 as a learning year and it was your goal to be champion this year. What does this title mean to you?

Vincent Lonbois: “We worked very hard to get good results and the title is the reward for all our efforts. The team and I are very happy to have won this championship.”

What is the secret of your success?

Lonbois: “It is actually hard work, combined with determination. And I can count on a very good team.”

You and the other BMW riders dominated the season in the IRRC. You are champion, your team-mate Sébastien Le Grelle is second overall and Didier Grams is third in the championship. How did this domination come about?

Lonbois: “The BMW S 1000 RR is a very good bike – probably one of the best! And we – like Didier Grams - are working hard to be as efficient as possible.”

What is so special about road racing? What makes it so exciting for you as a rider?

Lonbois: “In road racing you have many fans and supporters, and the fantastic thing is that you have a really close relationship with them, it is like a huge group of friends. As a rider, you can’t afford any mistakes, because an accident can often have serious consequences. I think it is the adrenaline that attracts me!”

What is your strength as a rider?

Lonbois: “I am very determined and I think this is why I reached this high level in racing so quickly. I had never ridden a motorcycle until I was 15, and then I worked really hard to reach a good level and be competitive.”

You are in the top positions of the BMW Motorrad Race Trophy. How do you like the concept of this worldwide competition that unites BMW racers from all continents and so many different championships?

Lonbois: “I think this competition is a very good idea to motivate riders to be even more successful and achieve good results. And the prize money is for sure a big help for the next season.”

What are your targets for next season?

Lonbois: “My target is to compete in the Superbike IDM and to win the title there.”