Niccolò Canepa: From MotoGP Contender to Endurance Racing Legend Announces Retirement After a Stellar 20-Year Career

Former MotoGP competitor transitions to endurance racing before declaring retirement

Two-decade tenure includes stints in MotoGP, WorldSBK, Moto2, WorldSSP, MotoE, and EWC

Niccolo Canepa is set to hang up his racing leathers for good this month

He plans to retire following the Bol d'Or from September 12-15, which marks the season's end of the FIM Endurance World Championship.

Canepa is targeting retirement with a back-to-back EWC championship to his name.

Niccolo Canepa's Distinctive Achievements

Over a career lasting two decades, he has competed across MotoGP, WorldSBK, Moto2, WorldSSP, and MotoE.

In recent years, Canepa has truly made his mark in the world of endurance racing, discovering his forte.

He has emerged as the most triumphant Italian competitor in the EWC.

Following periods competing in the Italian championship and the European Superstock 600 Championship, Canepa made his significant entry into MotoGP in 2009.

Competing for Pramac Racing, he took part as a regular MotoGP competitor in the 2009 season and secured the 16th position in the overall standings.

Over the next two years, Canepa transitioned to Moto2 and later participated in the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup.

In 2012, Canepa competed throughout the entire World Superbike Championship season aboard a Ducati, securing a 20th place finish. He made a comeback to the series in 2014 and 2015, this time riding a Kawasaki, and ended those seasons in 13th and 16th places, respectively.

Canepa initiated his partnership with Yamaha in 2016.

The GMT94 Yamaha EWC Team secured the second-place position in the EWC.

Canepa stepped in as Yamaha’s World Superbike Championship (WSBK) test rider and filled in for the injured Sylvain Guintoli in four races, securing a top 10 finish in each event.

In 2017, Canepa secured his initial endurance championship, alongside a victory at the Bol d’Or. He went on to clinch another championship in the previous season.

He belongs to an exclusive circle of racers who have triumphed in the trio of prestigious motorbike endurance competitions at Spa, Le Mans, and the Bol d’Or.

"I dedicated my all to the world of racing"

"The adventure has been incredible! I began my career on minibikes at the tender age of nine, and by the time I was 19, I had progressed to competing on a MotoGP motorcycle," he shared.

"I feel fortunate to have experienced a remarkable career; indeed, there have been challenges, but growing up, I could never have envisioned achieving such success and deriving so much pleasure from this sport."

"I devoted my all to the sport of racing and, in return, received far more than I had anticipated, including two EWC championships and one Superstock title. With the Bol d’Or on the horizon, I'm optimistic about securing a third EWC victory. Throughout my career, I've had the chance to compete across a variety of series, including MotoGP, WorldSBK, EWC, WorldSSP, Moto2, and MotoE. I feel a sense of fulfillment from my accomplishments."

"As someone who races, you understand when it's the right moment to hang up your helmet, and concluding my career after the Bol d’Or seems like the ideal time. I’m already looking forward to embracing new adventures and turning the page to begin a fresh phase in my life. Naturally, I’ll long for the thrill of the race, the camaraderie with my team, and my R1, but I believe now is the appropriate moment to do so."

"I am grateful to all the individuals who have stood by me during my professional journey, particularly my family and girlfriend, along with everyone I've encountered along the way who has offered their support or imparted wisdom to me."

"I've thoroughly enjoyed encountering numerous individuals during my journey, and I eagerly anticipate embarking on a new venture that allows me to remain clad in Yamaha's signature blue!"

Mandy Kainz, the team manager of Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC, expressed: "Working with Niccolò has truly been a delight. He's not just an amazing rider, but also a wonderful person."

Since becoming a member of the YART team, he has played a crucial role in its achievements, demonstrating unmatched skill, spirit, and collaboration. At YART, we consider ourselves a tight-knit family, and Niccolò has significantly contributed to this sense of unity from the moment he came on board.

"I feel immense pride in our collective accomplishments, and his absence will be deeply felt. My gratitude goes out to him for all his contributions to the group.

"It seems appropriate that he's retiring following such an outstanding season, and I understand that reaching the Suzuka podium was a deeply cherished ambition for him, just as it was for me and everyone else on the team.

"His legacy as one of the most accomplished riders in the Endurance World Championship is already secured, yet he has the opportunity to etch his name further into the annals of history at the Bol d’Or, potentially clinching a third personal title and consecutive championships with YART."

"We aim to conclude on an upbeat note, establishing further historic achievements together, allowing him to culminate his distinguished career in the most optimal manner."

Andrea Dosoli, who oversees Road Racing and R&D at Yamaha Motor Europe, remarked, "Niccolò has had an extraordinary career and has been associated with the Yamaha team for nearly a decade.

He has competed in and enjoyed victory in all significant championships, demonstrating his incredible skill on any bike. Upon his arrival at GMT94 in 2016, he quickly adapted to the R1, making a significant debut by securing the second place in his initial EWC season, followed by clinching the championship in his next attempt. Additionally, his contributions to our WorldSBK achievements have been substantial, serving not only as the principal test rider but also as a guiding coach and advisor.

Describing his influence at Yamaha as immense is an understatement, thanks to his vast experience, technical expertise, and remarkable team spirit. All these factors have played a pivotal role in his accomplishments, and he truly deserves to take pride in his achievements.

Throughout the years, his speed and competitive spirit remain untouched, as demonstrated by YART's remarkable triumph in the 2023 EWC championship. He is destined to be remembered as one of the greatest endurance racers in history.

Securing his third EWC title at the Bol d’Or would be the ideal culmination of an extraordinary career. Regardless of the outcome, Niccolò has every reason to be immensely proud of his accomplishments.

"Though his days as a competitor are drawing to a close, this doesn't signify his departure from the Yamaha group. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with him on a range of thrilling endeavors yet to come."

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