For the second year in a row, Honda is going all out to win the Japanese round of the FIM Endurance World Championship next month (August 4-6).
Honda has announced the list of 10 teams that the Japanese manufacturer will support to try to win the 44th edition of the Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race, with Xavi Virgo as a notable newcomer to the Team HRC workforce. He will team up with the Japanese Takumi Takahashi and his fellow Spaniard Iker Lecuona on the handlebars of the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP #33 equipped with Bridgestone tires for this always considered spectacular and difficult meeting of the EWC calendar.
Last year, Tetsuta nagashima, Takumi Takahashi et Iker Lecuona won at Suzuka for Honda's first victory in its home event since 2014. But, with Tetsuta Nagashima continuing his convalescence following a foot injury, it is Xavi Virginie who has just been made official again on the red and blue Honda HRC.
We informed you ofa doubt at the first announcement regarding the role of Tetsuta Nagashima, and this doubt remains, since not only was the fast Japanese pilot present and participating in the two-day test in preparation for the race, but he was the fastest!
According to the hypothesis of our experienced colleague Alessio Piana, the one who is currently only a reservist could therefore be required to replace Iker Lecuona, in case the latter is asked to replace a Honda rider in MotoGP at the Grand Prix at Silverstone which will take place on the same date…
Besides, that's what I'm hoping for Tetsuta Nagashima : " For me, the main purpose of the test was to check my physical condition. I think today was rewarding because I was able to do some long runs and set the best time. I think I was able to do everything expected of a runner. There's about a month left between now and the race, so I'll stay focused and continue to improve my fitness. This Suzuka 8 Hours is the only race I have the chance to participate in this year, so I want to do whatever it takes to race. I tried my best to be selected by the team. I hope to make strong contributions to the team like last year and win the race. »
Iker Lecuona : " I did a long run in the morning, but my feeling wasn't as good compared to last year, and I couldn't reach the running pace I wanted. Compared to yesterday, today we are close to where we were last year, so I'm not that worried. I will make adjustments for the race weekend and make sure I hit my target times. I still remember the thrill of last year's victory, and I will do my best to relive that joy. »
Xavi Verge : " This will be the first time that I will participate in the Suzuka 8 Hours. I am very happy to be able to participate in this event, where so many drivers have written the legend. Iker Lecuona is my teammate in WSBK and Takumi Takahashi is a great rider who has won many 8 hour races in the past. I think we can win this race if all three of us work hard. I felt like the bike was a little difficult to ride because the seat position was different from the previous test. I couldn't meet my goal time and I couldn't keep my average at a consistent level. The large number of bikes on track and the heat didn't help, but I think the experience of this test was important for the race. I wasn't a driver in last year's race, but I supported everyone in the pits, so I have a strong desire to race. This year, I want to celebrate the victory with everyone, and I'm proud to be part of a team that can do that. I'm looking forward to the race and will come back. »
Takumi Takahashi : " I rode in the previous session, so the other three riders had long runs. I didn't get as much track time as I thought I would, so I wanted more for today's sessions as the conditions were more race-like, but the other drivers on the team did great job, so I'm positive for the race. I get a lot of questions about my fifth victory at the Suzuka 8 Hours this year, but for me I prefer to focus on winning every race rather than my record. I will give everything so that we can win again this year. »
The start of the 44th edition of the Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours of Endurance will be given at 11:30 a.m. local time (4:30 a.m. in France) on Sunday August 6.
