Jack Miller and Andrea Locatelli took their first steps on the endurance-spec Yamaha R1 this week during a two-day test at the legendary Suzuka circuit in preparation for the 8 2025 Hours. A rather successful first experience for the two European riders of the Yamaha Racing Team.
Absent from Suzuka since 2017 and its time MotoGP at Honda, Jack Miller found the Japanese trail with pleasure: “It was nice to be back here at Suzuka, especially with the R1 – it's very funny »
The Australian completed long relays in the company ofAndrea Locatelli, and said he was satisfied with the dynamics established: “ the rhythm is good, the speed is correct, and I think during the race weekend we will find a little extra margin when we need it »
Miller admits, however, that he still has to refine his automatisms: " it's a long circuit, and there are many places where one can make a mistake. Landing a perfect lap is very difficult, so today was all about getting familiar with your marks. »
Jack Miller returns to Suzuka with pleasure
For Andrea Locatelli, these two days have allowed many unknowns to be removed. After a first day devoted to discovery, the Italian pilot says he is much more serene:
« We did a lot of work today and we're really happy with the confidence we have on the bike. It was much better than the first day. »
Locatelli remains cautious about the hierarchy:
« We don't yet know exactly where we stand compared to other competitors.. We'll have to check this over the race weekend. But our times were consistent and error-free – and that's the main thing in endurance racing.. »
Four-time winner at Suzuka, Katsuyuki Nakasuga, absent from the track on these two days, supervised the work. He is pleased with the good adaptation of Miller et Locatelli based on the technical basis developed earlier in June with Soichiro Minamimoto:
« I'm relieved to see that the basic setup is working well. As it's an endurance race, we have to share the same bike, which forced us all to adapt. »
It lit up is already planning for the race:
« Even at our current level, I think we can compete with our rivals. But if we improve our communication a little more, we will certainly be able to aim for the highest step of the podium »
The appointment is made for the weekend of 8 Hours of SuzukaWhere Yamaha intends to play a leading role in the face of particularly fierce competition.
