The 46 entered in the Suzuka 8H have already completed the entire race distance in Japan. In front of the checkered flag, HRC naturally won, after having dominated the entire event.
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The HRC – Japan Post team took the lead of the Suzuka 8H from the fifth lap, and never let go. After eight long, grueling hours, Johann Zarco and his teammates achieved a historic victory. This is in fact the 3rd consecutive victory for HRC, and the 30th for the manufacturer. A record never equaled.
After having sailed without being worried until the last moments, the Japanese team will however have offered itself a big favor. Five minutes from time, a 40-second penalty was imposed on HRC for an illegal pit stop. With a little more than fifty seconds in advance, the margin was tiny, but not enough to force Takumi Takahashi to face Karel Hanika.
A first in Endurance for the Frenchman who was put to the test throughout this day of racing. The Cannes native appeared out of breath at the end of each of his stints, and did not fail to emphasize the difficulty of the exercise.
“I was happy to have a shorter stint, but it still lasted 50 minutes, he confides 30 minutes from the finish. It was very difficult to increase the gap with Yamaha. It was five laps less, so it went a little quicker, and it was a little easier. I did the job, and I'm very happy. »
A success which allows Takumi Takahashi to become the record holder for victories at the Suzuka 8H with six achievements.
The title contenders, the Yamaha n°1 and the Suzuki n°12, have never threatened to win and are content with an important podium for the championship. At the end of the race, the Yart took second place. 50 seconds from the lead (not counting the penalty), but far ahead of Sert who completes the podium.
The test was, however, more complicated for the No. 2 Ducati and the No. 37 BMW, who were in contention throughout the weekend. The two teams nevertheless achieved their objectives, and each blocked a place in the top-5. A result which also means that five different brands share the first five places.
The AutoRace Ube Racing team, which includes Belgian Moto2 rider Barry Baltus, took a good ninth place in the general classification after a strong comeback at the start of the event.
The #0 Suzuki CN Challenge crew put in an excellent performance at Suzuka. Engaged in the EXP category, Étienne Masson and his teammates arrived in the top 10, with eighth place overall.
Ranking : FIM EWC
