This weekend, in the middle of a time difference with our latitudes, an event not to be missed will take place. This is a round of the Endurance championship. But not just any. This is the one that all Japanese manufacturers want to win. It is as important to them as all the motorcycle speed disciplines on the circuit combined. Welcome to Suzuka where, for 8 hours, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda will compete for national supremacy.
Suzuka is a Honda track, but for four editions of the 8 hours, it is a Yamaha which has won the day. The Tokyo firm wants to stop this series. She's not the only one. Kawasaki also aligns its Superbike elite with Rea, Haslam et Razgatlioglu.
At Honda we have a trio made up of Takuma Takahashi (29 years), Ryuichi Kiyonari (36 years) and Stefan bradl, formerly HRC's test rider for MotoGP. He explains the issues as follows: “ in our team, Takahashi is a little faster than me Says Stefan bradl about the Japanese Superbike star, who won the Suzuka 8 Hour race three times. So he is a hero in Japan. “ This is the reason why Takuma will also start, because this is the most important relay where you as a driver can possibly make the biggest difference. He is practically at home at Suzuka… He has so much experience in this race that he is obviously ahead of me ».
« Kiyonari has also participated in this 8-hour race several times, winning it four times. For me, this is the first participation in Endurance. Therefore, it would not be reasonable for me to start as the starting driver. We will discuss the exact strategy in the coming days. I will probably take the intermediate relays ».
Stefan bradl must familiarize themselves with the conduct of this event. “ Wednesday and Thursday we have two more days of testing. Friday and Saturday you drive relatively little, just a few laps. On Saturday, the two fastest drivers from each team will decide the starting grid ».
He admits on Speedweek: “ In recent weeks and months I have felt the importance of Suzuka for Honda. That's why I'm going to give gas there and try to help Honda. This is what I intend to do. I just resist the idea that we have to win there. Because such pressure usually gets you in trouble. I am experienced enough to estimate our chances and be able to ride accordingly ».
The fault is therefore prohibited. For Honda, there will be a second team on cover with Dominique Aegerter, entered in the Japanese Honda team MuSASHi RT HARC-PRO with Xavi Fores et Ryo Mizuno. The Swiss has already won three podiums at Suzuka in the last five years.
