FCC TSR Honda France is gearing up for a FIM Endurance World Championship race more special than any other, with next month's 44th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race being the team's home round of the 'EWC.
As winners of the FIM Team Endurance World Championship in 2022, the Japanese team will receive plenty of attention and support when the iconic Suzuka circuit hosts the next round of the EWC World Endurance Championship, from August 4 to 6.
In its quest for a second victory in EWC 2023, after its success at the 24 Heures Motos du Mans in April, the FCC TSR Honda France will be able to count on its formidable trio of drivers composed of Mike Di Meglio, Josh Hook et Alan Techer.
Having led the early stages of the race at last year's Suzuka 8 Hours, Hook knows what it takes to shine on the 5,821 kilometer Full Course 2-Wheels course.
« I raced the same bike last year, so I know how it handles and how it should work,” said the Australian. “ The chassis, the tires, everything works well. The key to success at the 8 Hours is consistency. First you have to be fast, then constant. All three of us are built the same, we all love riding motorcycles and we're good at it. It's important to have a bike setup that all three of us can work with. Alan, Mike and I can do it, so I'm not worried. »
Hook, 30, will start the Suzuka 8 Hours next month, following a successful test at the circuit on July 5 and 6.
« I had a very good gut feeling. ", did he declare. “ We were able to test a lot of things, particularly to improve rear grip. The bike behaved well on worn tires and we were able to confirm that we were going in the right direction. We have made progress and the team has done a great job. We can approach the race feeling comfortable and confident. »
The Frenchman Di Meglio, 34, declared for his part: “ It was great to be back at Suzuka. The resurfacing of the turns, particularly the exit of turn 2, was particularly effective. The bike improved with each run and we made a lot of progress. Our pace improved each time and the track temperature was high, which gave us a good test. I have a good feeling following this test in general. It would be perfect if we could improve our pace a little more, and that's what we're going to work on during the race weekend. »
Alan Techer, Di Meglio’s 28-year-old compatriot, added: “ I was very happy to come back to Suzuka after four years. I really enjoyed the track and the bike, but I missed a few things, so I need to make some corrections. I finally got rid of all the stress that had accumulated, and the sensations were better. I enjoyed the bike and was able to close the gap with my teammates. The team worked very well, we solved some problems and I can therefore approach the race with a lot of confidence. »
After two rounds of the 2023 EWC season, FCC TSR Honda France is second in the provisional FIM Team Endurance World Championship, one point behind Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team.
The start of the 44th edition of the Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours of Endurance is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. local time on Sunday August 6
