Whereas MotoGP takes a break, LCR Honda’s Johann Zarco is heading to Japan for the forty fifth version of the distinguished Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race.
Honda’s MotoGP venture may nonetheless be struggling however the Frenchman can set his sights firmly on the highest step in Japan, the place he will likely be driving for Crew HRC because it chases a 3rd Suzuka victory in a row.
becoming a member of Zarco on the Bridgestone-shod Fireblade within the July 19-21 occasion will likely be five-time occasion winner Takumi Takahashi and fellow new Crew HRC recruit Teppei Nagoe.
“I’m excited to be racing within the Suzuka 8 Hours,” mentioned Zarco, winner of the 2023 Australian MotoGP for Pramac Ducati earlier than becoming a member of Honda this 12 months.
“It’s the largest bike race and likewise an vital race for Honda.
“Identical to many MotoGP legends have received the Suzuka 8 Hours earlier than, I additionally want to win as a Crew HRC with Japan Submit rider.
“I respect Honda and LCR for giving me this chance.”
Zarco received his first style of the well-known 5.821-kilometre Suzuka Circuit throughout testing final month.
“Suzuka is kind of spectacular. So quick. And an excellent asphalt with good grip,” Zarco mentioned.
“I used to be in a position to study the observe by driving loads throughout the two days. Takahashi may be very quick, so I attempted to study from him and maintain as a lot as potential. I believe we had a very pleasing take a look at.
“I used to be nervous on day one as a result of it was all new to me, however step by step I turned extra relaxed and will journey higher. I believe I can journey higher within the race.
“The bike is aggressive and [so] then you’ll be able to simply work on your self.
“MotoGP races final about 40 minutes, however a Suzuka 8 Hours stint lasts an hour. I’ve by no means raced for such a very long time earlier than.
“However I knew the Suzuka 8 Hours is a race I’d do at some point, even the 24 Heures Motos and Bol d’Or are races I’ve mentioned I’d do.
“I used to be considering possibly this 12 months is feasible as a result of [the date doesn’t clash].
“When Honda requested me, I mentioned I’d like to do it as a result of it’s a possibility to get some freedom and to do different issues and have enjoyable.”
Johann Zarco at Suzuka 8 Hours take a look at (FIM EWC)
Guintoli: Superior to share the observe with Zarco
Amongst Zarco’s rivals at Suzuka will likely be countryman and former MotoGP rider Sylvain Guintoli, competing as a part of the BMW Motorrad World Endurance line-up.
“Johann Zarco coming to race is nice,” mentioned Guintoli, continuously within the MotoGP paddock as a part of his TV work for TNT Sports activities. “It’s nice for the championship and for the race, the general profile.
“It’s additionally going to be superior to share the observe with Johann and I’m actually trying ahead to see what he can do on an endurance bike.
“I’m certain he’ll take pleasure in it and it will likely be an incredible problem for him. But it surely’s a race he can doubtlessly win so it will likely be good to see him sharing the observe with us.”
F.C.C. TSR Honda France’s Josh Hook mentioned: “He’s been across the traps lengthy sufficient to know the way to get on and do his job and I’m certain he’ll do properly as a result of he’s driving an incredible bike on nice tyres.
“We’ve had MotoGP riders and World Superbike riders are available in for this race many occasions earlier than and it simply brings quite a lot of hype. It’s additionally good to journey with these guys to see what they’re doing and never doing.”
Yoshimura SERT Motul rider Gregg Black, who will sadly miss subsequent week’s race via damage, mentioned it’s “good for everyone to see him on this race.
“We all know his sturdy performances in MotoGP and now being with Honda it’s the right deal for him to return to the Suzuka 8 Hours.”
MotoGP riders which have received the Suzuka 8 Hours up to now embody Pol Espargaro, Bradley Smith, Carlos Checa, Colin Edwards, Valentino Rossi, Alex Barros, Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan, Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey.
