After the Spa 8 Hours, held a few weeks ago on the Ardennes circuit, the World Endurance Championship (EWC) now heads to the other side of the world for the Suzuka 8 Hours. The legendary Japanese classic promises a 47th edition that is as demanding for the 50 participating teams as it is exciting for European fans.
On Friday, July 3rd, the action will kick off at 1:30 AM (French time) with two hours of Free Practice, followed by the first qualifying sessions (5:00 AM to 6:30 AM). As a reminder, each of the three riders must participate according to the color of their assigned armband (blue, yellow, red). After a short break, the second qualifying sessions will take place between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM. This intense first day of competition will conclude with the traditional night Free Practice session, scheduled from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Meanwhile, the HRC GROM Cup competitors will battle it out for their spot in the final the following day.
The HRC GROM Cup will kick things off on Saturday with its morning final, followed by the final Free Practice session for the Suzuka 8 Hours, scheduled between 6:00 and 6:45 AM. Then comes the famous Top 10 Trial. From 7:15 to 8:45 AM, this session will determine the starting grid for the ten best teams from the previous day. On Sunday, competitors will enjoy a 45-minute Warm-Up at 1:30 AM (French time) before the start of the Suzuka 8 Hours, scheduled for 4:30 AM.
The difficulties of the Suzuka circuit
On the legendary Suzuka figure-eight circuit, competitors will face hot and humid conditions, drawing on their physical reserves to secure valuable points at the halfway point of the season. While fewer points are awarded in an 8-hour race, the overall standings have become considerably tighter after the Belgian round.
While the YART Yamaha #1 has extended its lead thanks to its podium finish at Spa, the competition is heating up behind. The SERT Suzuki #12 and the Motorrad World Endurance Team BMW #37 are now neck and neck for second place in the provisional championship, separated by just one point.
To fully experience the event without missing a thing, discover the complete day-by-day program as well as all times converted to French time.
© FIM EWC
FIM EWC – The complete schedule for the 2026 Suzuka 8 Hours
Friday July 3:
01:30 – 8 Hours of Suzuka: Free Practice (2 hours)
04:00 – HRC GROM Cup: Free Practice
05:00 – 8 a.m. Suzuka: Qualifying 1 (Blue Drivers)
05:35 – 8am Suzuka: Qualifying 1 (Yellow Drivers)
06:10 – 8am Suzuka: Qualifying 1 (Red Drivers)
08:30 – 8 a.m. Suzuka: Qualifying 2 (Blue Drivers)
09:05 – 8am Suzuka: Qualifying 2 (Yellow Drivers)
09:40 – 8am Suzuka: Qualifying 2 (Red Drivers)
10:15 – HRC GROM Cup: Qualifications
11:30 – 8:00 AM Suzuka: Night Free Practice
Saturday 4 July:
02:30 – HRC GROM Cup: Final Race (12 Laps)
06:00 – 8 Hours of Suzuka: Free Practice
07:15 – 8 Hours of Suzuka: Top 10 Trial (determining the grid for the 10 best teams)
Sunday 5 July:
01:30 – 8 a.m. from Suzuka: Warm-Up (45 minutes)
04:30 – Start of the 47th edition of the Suzuka 8 Hours
12:30 – End of the Suzuka 8 Hours
Photo : FIM EWC
