After a final hour of action-packed racing, once again full of twists and turns, the Suzuka 8 Hours come to an end. Johann Zarco takes victory for Honda HRC after briefly losing the lead to Yamaha. Jack Miller gives it his all, but finishes second on the factory Yamaha.
The final hour of the race was marked by renewed tension. The second safety car intervention reshuffled the cards once again with less than an hour to go. The #30 Honda HRC, previously leading with a comfortable lead, had to return to the pits for refueling, allowing Johann Zarco to take the reins for the final laps. However, the Cannes driver was forced to wait for the arrival of the second safety car, remaining immobilized for nearly 40 seconds at the pit exit.
Meanwhile, the factory #21 Yamaha, driven by Andrea Locatelli, took the lead on the restart. However, it was forced to visit the pits for a final pit stop. Locatelli then handed the baton to Jack Miller, who engaged in a final duel with Zarco. However, the Australian left the pits 40 seconds behind the #30.
As the sun sets, darkness gradually envelops certain sections of the circuit, increasing the difficulty for the riders and the suspense of the final moments. Despite everything, Johann Zarco maintains an advantage, a consequence of Honda's remarkable efficiency in terms of fuel management. This imposing margin puts Honda in a virtually untouchable position for victory. Indeed, as the checkered flag flies, Johann Zarco triumphs. The Cannes driver wins an intense fuel management race, thus recording his second consecutive victory at the Suzuka 2 Hours. The fourth for Honda, which also takes its 8st victory in this event.
Behind these two top drivers, the battle for the podium continues to be heated, notably by Sert, who remains on the pace. Dan Linfoot finally pulls it off and gives Suzuki the lowest step on the podium, at the expense of the #73 Honda. Sert thus achieves an excellent performance in the world championship. Just like the #11, 8th before the checkered flag.
Honda's domination, led by Johann Zarco and Takumi Takahashi, marks a glorious new chapter in the history of the Suzuka 8 Hours, against a combative Yamaha that had the merit of maintaining the suspense until the end.
The final ranking of the 8H of Suzuka 2025:
Ranking : FIM EWC
