In order to give itself the best chance of repeating the victory acquired last year at the 8 Hours of Suzuka, the Yamaha Factory team organized a 2-day test on the Japanese circuit, last Wednesday and Thursday.
Wednesday morning, Katsuyuki Nakasuga, Pol Espargaro and Alex Lowes were therefore able to take their YZF-R1 in hand, as well as their marks on the difficult Japanese track.
But rain that occurred during the afternoon led to the effective cancellation of the planned session.
The morning of the second day saw dark clouds pouring some showers and other drizzle, which left Pol Espargaro (for whom this was the only date available) no other choice than to ride on a surface neither totally dry nor totally wet, before being joined by Nakasuga and Lowes.
A few laps as well as a few refueling tests were nevertheless able to be carried out, even if the complete program could not be completed.
La Yamaha Factory Racing team's next outing is scheduled for July 13 and 14, when the team will join an official test with three other manufacturers.
Espargaro will be absent but Nakasuga and Lowes will participate in this test, in order to further improve the competitiveness of the team before the race of 8 Hours of Suzuka, July 31.
And Yamaha's goal for this year is nothing less than a second consecutive victory...
Katsuyuki Nakasuga: “ Our riding time was shortened due to the weather, but I was able to do everything I wanted to do during this test. We made progress with the tire choice for the race, so overall I think it was positive. The three of us get along well together. Pol [Espargaró] and Alex [Lowes] are the two top riders, so the three of us combined have a good average pace. I'm sure the level will be even higher during the race weekend. Pol keeps saying, “Nakasuga is going to take pole position this year!” » but when he disconnects the button, he can be damn fast on the track. This year, I'm leaving him in charge of the Superpole! »
Pol Espargaro: “I wasn't able to do as many laps as I would have liked because of the rain, which is unfortunate. But, I will consider us lucky to have at least some time on a dry track! It's been a while since I've been on the R1, which allowed me to get my feelings back and also try different new settings. So overall I'm satisfied. My pre-race testing ends here, but I think some quick and effective progress has been made compared to last year, when everything was new to me. I think we had enough time to make the preparations we needed to be ready. You know, I might not be able to get pole position this year. For what? Because Nakasuga-san is really fast! But to be serious, our main goal is to get on the top step of the podium. We have good riders, a fast machine and an incredible team behind us, so we have everything we need to win, although you never know what can happen during a race. We're going to do everything we can to give everyone something to celebrate after everything is said and done. I believe that if we make this our goal, the result we are aiming for will come. »
alex lowes: “Last year was my first participation in the Suzuka 8 Hours but, this year, the team and the bike are different, so everything is new for me. I was really looking forward to learning a lot during this test, so it was a shame about the rain. But I was lucky to be able to get used to this R1, which has different characteristics from the one I ride in World Superbike, as well as to get used to the tires, and so I got a lot out of this test . However, there is still a lot to do, and I intend to modify my riding style slightly. I hope I can do a lot more laps in the next test. The atmosphere in the team is really good. My teammates are two good guys and the team gives everything they have, so I'm in a great environment where I can relax and do my job. Of course, I feel a bit of pressure driving for a team that everyone expects to win, but that helps me to work harder to get there. I will do my best to be ready. »
