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Suzuka

The Suzuka 8 Hours are also back! One of the most prestigious motorcycling events, the legendary Japanese endurance round leaves no respite for drivers and teams. Due to the proximity to the various Japanese factories involved in the world championship, it is of particular importance despite its short distance compared to the European classics. Early this morning, two practice sessions were on the program, followed by the first qualifying round, consisting of a session for the blue, yellow and then red drivers.

Tense situation at the championship

Without a doubt, all eyes will be on two teams. And these are two behemoths; on the one hand, the FCC TSR Honda France, winner here last year, but also at the 24 Heures Motos this year. The other, Yamalube YART Yamaha, on the highest step of the podium during the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and current leader of the world championship by a small point. Of course, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, the official team Honda #33 Team HRC with Japan Post et Yoshimura SERT Motul remain very serious customers capable of surprising.

It is good to remember that ERC Ducati just like the competitors of the Superstock Endurance Cup will not compete in the event. During the first day of testing consisting of five paid sessions, the YART Yamaha stood out.

Honda at Suzuka, but not the one we expected

On this Saturday morning, two teams share the cake. There Yamaha #7 YART Yamaha was the first to draw during the final paid session, the sixth session of its kind. Then came the first official session, and with it, an excellent time of the Honda #33 Team HRC with Japan Post, machine directly engaged by the factory to which the circuit belongs. At his helm, three tenors, well accustomed to the firm: Tetsuta nagashima, Yuki Takahashi et Xavi Verge, titular driver in WSBK.

The start of qualifying only confirmed this trend. As usual, a first salvo reserved for pilots equipped with the blue armband determines a first order. Local Tetsuta nagashima achieved the best time of the said session in 2'05.722.

 

 

More Marvin Fritz, pilot on the Yamaha YZF-R1 #7 Yamalube YART Yamaha achieves the reference mark for drivers with yellow armbands.

 

Suzuka

 

Finally, the YART extension reiterates in the session of the drivers with the red armband thanks to the good effort of Karel Hanika, who completes a lap of the legendary track in 2'06.009. But the Honda #33 remains in contact.

 

 

See you in just a few hours for the first official night tests at Suzuka, followed tomorrow by by the second qualifying salvo concerning the yellow, blue and red pilots.

Ranking credits: fimewc.fr

Cover photo: FIM EWC

All articles on Pilots: Takumi Takahashi, Tetsuta Nagashima

All articles on Teams: FCC TSR Honda France, YART-Yamaha, Yoshimura SERT Motul