Honda has officially announced an overview of its main teams that will participate in the 45th edition of the FIM Endurance World Championship EWC “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race (Suzuka 8 Hours), which will take place at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture, Japan, on Sunday, July 21, 2024, starting with Team HRC racing will once again partner with Japan Post Co, Ltd. to compete under the team name “HRC with Japan Post” and will be represented by Takumi Takahashi, Teppei Nagoe and Johann zarco.
Teppei Nagoe et Johann zarco, new to the team, will be led by Takumi Takahashi, who has won the last two editions of the race (with Tetsuta Nagashima et Xavi Verge in 2023) and is aiming for his sixth victory, thus establishing a new record for the event. Note that at Honda, unlike Yamaha, we do not particularly highlight MotoGP riders, thus perpetuating the famous philosophy of the Japanese house: Honda equipment and especially the engine above all else, the riders being considered only as a accessory ! Given the results in MotoGP and WorldSBK, it would probably be time to question ourselves…
Takumi Takahashi (Age: 34): “I am very happy to participate again in the Suzuka 8 Hours with the HRC team and Japan Post. This is an important year, as the victory will mark Team HRC's third consecutive victory and Honda's 30th overall victory. I will work hard with my new teammates to put in a good performance at the Suzuka 8 Hours and, personally, I will be looking to set the record for the most wins in this event (6 wins to hold the outright record). I hope you will support the HRC team with Japan Post. Let's fight together. »
Teppei Nagoe (Age: 26): “This year, I will participate in the Suzuka 8 Hours on behalf of the HRC team and Japan Post. Although I have been riding Honda motorcycles for many years, I am excited to race for the Honda factory team for the first time. My teammates are Takumi “Mr. 8 Hours” Takahashi and MotoGP winner Johann Zarco, so we make a great team. By working together, I believe we can win. I hope everyone will support HRC team with Japan Post. »
Johann zarco (Age: 33): “I am very excited about participating in the Suzuka 8 Hours. It's the biggest motorcycle race, and it's also an important race for Honda. Just like many MotoGP legends have won the Suzuka 8 Hours, I would also like to win as a member of Team HRC with Japan Post. I thank Honda and LCR for giving me this opportunity. I can't wait to meet everyone at Suzuka. »
