Niccolò Canepa: A Legendary 20-Year Racing Career Culminates in Retirement After Bol d’Or

Former MotoGP racer, who successfully transitioned to endurance racing, declares retirement

Two-decade career includes MotoGP, WorldSBK, Moto2, WorldSSP, MotoE, and EWC

Niccolo Canepa has announced that he will be retiring from racing at the end of this

He plans to end his career following the Bol d'Or, which is the final event of the FIM Endurance World Championship season, scheduled for September 12-15.

Canepa is looking to retire after securing a second straight EWC title.

Niccolo Canepa's distinctive achievement

His two-decade-long career includes stints in MotoGP, World Superbike, Moto2, World Supersport, and MotoE.

However, Canepa has truly discovered his specialty in the field of endurance racing in recent years.

He has emerged as the top Italian competitor in the Endurance World Championship (EWC).

Following periods in the Italian championship and the European Superstock 600 Championship, Canepa received a significant opportunity with MotoGP in 2009.

Racing for Pramac Racing, he competed as a full-time MotoGP rider during the 2009 season and ended up 16th in the overall standings.

Afterward, Canepa transitioned to Moto2 and later competed in the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup over the next two years.

In 2012, Canepa competed throughout the entire World Superbike Championship season riding a Ducati and secured 20th place overall. He made a comeback in 2014 and 2015, this time racing on a Kawasaki, where he finished in 13th place in 2014 and 16th place in 2015.

Canepa began working with Yamaha in 2016.

The GMT94 Yamaha EWC Team secured second place in the Endurance World Championship.

Canepa took on the role of Yamaha’s WSBK test rider and stepped in for the injured Sylvain Guintoli in four races, consistently finishing within the top 10.

In 2017, Canepa clinched his maiden endurance championship and also triumphed at the Bol d'Or. He secured another championship title in the most recent season.

He belongs to a distinguished group of riders who have triumphed in the three premier motorcycle endurance races: Spa, Le Mans, and the Bol d’Or.

'I dedicated my all to racing'

"It's been an incredible experience! I began racing minibikes at the age of nine, and by the time I was 19, I was already competing on a MotoGP bike," he remarked.

"I feel fortunate to have had an amazing career. While there have certainly been challenging times, I never would have dreamed as a kid that I would achieve so much success and find so much joy in this sport."

"I dedicated my all to racing and received more in return than I ever anticipated, securing two EWC championships and one in Superstock. With any luck, we'll clinch a third EWC title after the Bol d’Or. Throughout my career, I've competed in numerous championships, including MotoGP, WorldSBK, EWC, WorldSSP, Moto2, and MotoE. Overall, I am satisfied with my accomplishments."

“As a motorcyclist, you have an instinct for when it’s the right moment to step away, and concluding after the Bol d’Or seems ideal. My mind is already on future endeavors and beginning a fresh phase in my journey. Certainly, I will long for the thrill of racing, the camaraderie with my team, and my R1 bike, yet I believe this is the appropriate time to move on.

“I am grateful to everyone who has stood by me during my career, particularly my family, my girlfriend, and all the individuals I've encountered who have offered assistance or imparted knowledge.”

"It has been wonderful to connect with numerous individuals throughout this journey, and I am thrilled about the upcoming chapter, where I will keep representing Yamaha in blue!"

Mandy Kainz, who manages the Yamalube YART Yamaha team in the Endurance World Championship (EWC), expressed her delight in collaborating with Niccolò. She praised him not just for his exceptional riding skills but also for his outstanding character.

"Since joining YART, he has played a crucial role in the team's achievements. His exceptional attitude, skills, and collaboration have been unparalleled. YART operates like a close-knit family, and Niccolò has been a significant member from the start."

"I am immensely proud of our collective accomplishments, and his absence will be profoundly felt. I am grateful for all his contributions to the team."

"It seems appropriate that he is stepping down after such an amazing season, and I understand that standing on the podium at Suzuka was a cherished ambition for him, just as it was for me and the entire team."

He is already recognized as one of the most accomplished EWC riders in history, but he has another opportunity to etch his name in the records at the Bol d’Or by winning his third title and consecutive championships with YART.

"We aim to conclude on a positive note and make more history together, allowing him to wrap up his remarkable career in the best possible manner."

Andrea Dosoli, the Road Racing and R&D Manager for Yamaha Motor Europe, commented that Niccolò has had a remarkable career and has been with the Yamaha team for nearly a decade.

He has competed and achieved success in all major championships, demonstrating his exceptional riding skills on various machines. Upon joining GMT94 in 2016, he quickly adapted to the R1 and made a significant impression, finishing second in his debut EWC season and winning the championship in his second season. Additionally, he has significantly contributed to our achievements in WorldSBK, serving as the official test rider, rider coach, and mentor.

"It's challenging to put into words just how impactful his contributions have been at Yamaha. His extensive experience, engineering expertise, and remarkable team spirit have all played a role in his success. He has every reason to be proud of his accomplishments."

Throughout the years, he has maintained his speed and competitive spirit, as demonstrated by YART's impressive 2023 EWC championship win. He will be remembered as one of the greatest endurance racers in history.

Crowning his remarkable career with a third EWC championship at the Bol d'Or would be ideal, but regardless of the outcome, Niccolò should be extremely proud of his accomplishments.

“Even though his journey as a rider is concluding, he will remain a part of the Yamaha team, and we are eagerly anticipating collaborating with him on some thrilling new ventures ahead.”

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