Honda HRC Showcases Rock-Solid Pace in Pre-Suzuka 8 Hours Test
Suzuka CircuitOn Wednesday, July 30, the final test sessions for the upcoming 2025 FIM Endurance World Championship “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race 46th Edition (hereinafter referred to as the Suzuka 8 Hours) took place at the Suzuka Circuit (in Mie Prefecture). Five sessions were conducted in preparation for the main race on August 3.
Honda HRC had originally planned to compete with test rider Takumi Takahashi, MotoGP competitor Johann Zarco, and World Superbike Championship (WSBK) competitor Iker Lecuona. However, Lecuona suffered an injury in a multi-bike crash at the start of Race 1 in WSBK Round 8, prompting the team to call up his WSBK teammate Xavi Vierge as a substitute. Vierge, who won the 2023 Suzuka 8 Hours alongside Takahashi and Tetsuta Nagashima, brings invaluable experience to the team. As a result, Honda HRC still fields a formidable trio of past Suzuka 8 Hours winners.
Team Manager Teruaki Matsubara commented, “Xavi (Vierge) was on our shortlist from the beginning as a potential rider for the Suzuka 8 Hours. He’s a former winner and someone we trust with full confidence. While missing the earlier tests is a handicap, we don’t see it as a major disadvantage. Both Takahashi and Zarco understand the situation, and today’s testing was focused primarily around Xavi.”
Vierge joined the team on Tuesday, July 29, the day before the testing sessions and participated in pit stop practice with the crew.
On the test day, Wednesday, July 30, while the air temperature was announced as 33°C, the temperature felt on the circuit was significantly higher, with riders facing intense sunlight throughout the sessions.
Session 1 took place from 9:00 to 10:30 AM. The FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) team YART - YAMAHA (Yamaha) topped the timesheets with a 2:06.630 lap, followed closely by Honda HRC at 2:06.748. These top two teams were the only ones to dip into the 2:06 range. Team ATJ with docomo business (Satoru Iwata, Kouki Suzuki, Takuma Kunimine) posted a 2:07.128 for fourth. F.C.C. TSR Honda France (Alan Techer, Corentin Perolari, Taiga Hada) clocked a 2:07.748 for eighth, and SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda (Teppei Nagoe, Yuki Kunii, Keito Abe) followed in ninth with a 2:07.929. All of these teams began the day with solid performances in the 2:07 range. Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing (Kohta Nozane, Kohta Arakawa, Ryusei Yamanaka) placed 11th with a 2:08.196. Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo (Nakarin Atiratphuvapat, Andi Farid Izdihar, Azroy Hakeem Anuar, Md Zaqhwan Bin Zaidi) came in 13th at 2:08.381. Honda DREAM RT Sakurai Honda (Kazuki Ito, Daijiro Hiura, Joshua Brookes) posted 2:09.569 to place 16th.
In Session 2, held from 10:45 AM to 12:00 PM, EWC team YOSHIMURA SERT Motul (Suzuki) led with a 2:06.559 lap. Honda HRC followed in second at 2:06.872, while Team ATJ with docomo business took third with a 2:07.042, with Honda teams maintaining their strong positions in the top order. A total of six teams clocked laps in the 2:07 range. F.C.C. TSR Honda France was 10th at 2:08.320, Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing was 12th at 2:08.568, and SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda was 13th with a 2:08.601. Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo recorded a 2:09.901 for 18th.
During the morning sessions, many teams prioritized giving track time to riders unfamiliar with the Suzuka 8 Hours, resulting in a wide spread of lap times across the field. Additionally, frequent red flag interruptions made it difficult for teams to complete extended runs.
In Session 3, held from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, Honda HRC topped the timesheets with a 2:06.706, the only team to break into the 2:06 range. EWC team F.C.C. TSR Honda France secured fourth place with a 2:07.474. The Honda contingent continued their strong showing with Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing in eighth at 2:08.581, SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda in ninth with a 2:08.699, and Team ATJ with docomo business rounding out the top ten at 2:08.744. Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo placed 15th with a 2:09.139.
Session 4 ran from 2:45 to 4:15 PM. Honda HRC broke into the 2:05 range with a 2:05.645, setting the fastest time of the day. Team ATJ with docomo business placed sixth with a 2:07.601, while Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing was 11th at 2:08.164, F.C.C. TSR Honda France took 12th with a 2:08.184, Honda DREAM RT Sakurai Honda finished 14th at 2:08.411, Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo was 17th with a 2:08.795, and SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda recorded a 2:08.829 for 18th place.
In the final session, Session 5, Honda HRC once again led the field with a 2:06.424 lap, marking three consecutive sessions at the top of the timesheets in the afternoon. Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing placed fifth with a 2:06.940, SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda was eighth at 2:07.158, F.C.C. TSR Honda France took 11th with a 2:08.142, and Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo finished 13th at 2:08.288.
The afternoon sessions continued to be disrupted by red flags, with riders repeatedly cycling in and out of the pits. F.C.C. TSR Honda France suffered three crashes, which hindered their testing due to extended repair time. During session breaks, teams conducted tire change drills and rider change simulations. Honda HRC is renowned for their pit work efficiency, with other teams stopping by to observe their procedures.
Throughout the sessions on the test day, Honda HRC ensured ample track time for Vierge, while Zarco and Takahashi focused on the machine setup and testing runs, including system checks. Despite limited time on track, Takahashi consistently ran in the 2:06 range. Zarco clocked the overall fastest lap of the day with a 2:05.645, dominating the field. Vierge concluded his running with a best lap of 2:07.195.
Reflecting on the test sessions, Team Manager Matsubara said, “We were able to complete our planned test program. Our rivals are fast and formidable, but we’re confident we can compete at the top.”
While it’s disappointing that Iker won’t be able to join us, I have no concerns since I’ve already won the race with Xavi before. Today’s test was mainly focused on giving Xavi as much track time as possible, so I sat out Session 3 and used my other sessions mainly for final machine checks. The machine still isn’t exactly where I want it to be, but Zarco put in a strong lap, and I think we’re at a competitive level. Heading into qualifying, I’d like to make the bike easier to ride and less fatiguing, so we can approach the race with more confidence.
While it’s disappointing that Iker won’t be able to join us, I have no concerns since I’ve already won the race with Xavi before. Today’s test was mainly focused on giving Xavi as much track time as possible, so I sat out Session 3 and used my other sessions mainly for final machine checks. The machine still isn’t exactly where I want it to be, but Zarco put in a strong lap, and I think we’re at a competitive level. Heading into qualifying, I’d like to make the bike easier to ride and less fatiguing, so we can approach the race with more confidence.
This is my second time at the Suzuka 8 Hours, and I’m aiming to perform better than last year. It was my first time racing in the 8 Hours last year, and although I felt the pressure, we still managed to win. This year, with Yamaha entering as a factory team and more strong rivals in the mix, the pressure feels different-but I think we had a good test today in preparation for the race. The many red flags and having to pass riders at different speeds made things tricky. Still, I was able to post a strong lap on the bike Takahashi had set up. It’s my first time riding with Xavi, but he’s physically fit and consistent, so I have no concerns at all.
This is my second time at the Suzuka 8 Hours, and I’m aiming to perform better than last year. It was my first time racing in the 8 Hours last year, and although I felt the pressure, we still managed to win. This year, with Yamaha entering as a factory team and more strong rivals in the mix, the pressure feels different-but I think we had a good test today in preparation for the race. The many red flags and having to pass riders at different speeds made things tricky. Still, I was able to post a strong lap on the bike Takahashi had set up. It’s my first time riding with Xavi, but he’s physically fit and consistent, so I have no concerns at all.
I was disappointed to miss out on this year's lineup because my ankle injury from WSBK prevented me from participating in the June test. I wanted to compete last year as well, but due to a schedule overlap with WSBK I couldn’t. While Iker’s injury is unfortunate, I came to Suzuka determined to do a solid job as his substitute. My injury has fully recovered. The machine and tires are different from 2023, but I’m adapting to the setup that Takahashi, who I trust completely, has been developing. Today’s sessions gave me enough track time to eliminate any concerns about missing the earlier tests. Zarco is an incredibly fast rider, and I'm happy to be his teammate. I want to learn from both of them and deliver the kind of riding I can be satisfied with.
I was disappointed to miss out on this year's lineup because my ankle injury from WSBK prevented me from participating in the June test. I wanted to compete last year as well, but due to a schedule overlap with WSBK I couldn’t. While Iker’s injury is unfortunate, I came to Suzuka determined to do a solid job as his substitute. My injury has fully recovered. The machine and tires are different from 2023, but I’m adapting to the setup that Takahashi, who I trust completely, has been developing. Today’s sessions gave me enough track time to eliminate any concerns about missing the earlier tests. Zarco is an incredibly fast rider, and I'm happy to be his teammate. I want to learn from both of them and deliver the kind of riding I can be satisfied with.
I crashed twice today, and I really feel sorry for the team. Still, we were able to find a good direction with the bike setup and improved the balance. We’ll continue refining the setup during Friday’s session as we get ready for the race.
I crashed twice today, and I really feel sorry for the team. Still, we were able to find a good direction with the bike setup and improved the balance. We’ll continue refining the setup during Friday’s session as we get ready for the race.
I’m very happy to be able to participate in the Suzuka 8 Hours. Unfortunately, with my teammates crashing today, the bike needed repairs, and I was only able to complete six laps. But I expect to get more track time on Friday, which should help me get familiar with both the bike and the circuit. I’m committed to doing my best and having a good race.
I’m very happy to be able to participate in the Suzuka 8 Hours. Unfortunately, with my teammates crashing today, the bike needed repairs, and I was only able to complete six laps. But I expect to get more track time on Friday, which should help me get familiar with both the bike and the circuit. I’m committed to doing my best and having a good race.
We tested in May and had a good feeling with the bike then. However, today's test was different-naturally much hotter-and the feeling changed. We tried various setups to adapt to these conditions. Our pace wasn’t bad, but I crashed near the end, and I feel sorry for the team. That said, we’re making progress, so I’ll reset mentally and focus on Friday’s qualifying.
We tested in May and had a good feeling with the bike then. However, today's test was different-naturally much hotter-and the feeling changed. We tried various setups to adapt to these conditions. Our pace wasn’t bad, but I crashed near the end, and I feel sorry for the team. That said, we’re making progress, so I’ll reset mentally and focus on Friday’s qualifying.
Since Abe and I had already found a good direction and done long runs in the last test, we prioritized giving Kunii more time on the bike today. In the end, we were able to confirm a solid setup direction that works for all three of us, so it was a productive test.
Since Abe and I had already found a good direction and done long runs in the last test, we prioritized giving Kunii more time on the bike today. In the end, we were able to confirm a solid setup direction that works for all three of us, so it was a productive test.
Because it’s been a while since the last test, I started by re-familiarizing myself with the 1000cc machine. During the first test I attended, it was much cooler, but this time, both air and track temperatures were higher. So, we worked on setup while adapting to those conditions. The three of us are aligned in our feedback on the setup, and I feel we’ve found a good direction.
Because it’s been a while since the last test, I started by re-familiarizing myself with the 1000cc machine. During the first test I attended, it was much cooler, but this time, both air and track temperatures were higher. So, we worked on setup while adapting to those conditions. The three of us are aligned in our feedback on the setup, and I feel we’ve found a good direction.
It had been a while since the last test, so I began by reacquainting myself with the EWC-spec bike. However, with the much hotter conditions, adjustments were necessary. After discussing with Nagoe and Kunii, we made quite a few major changes, but I think we’ve arrived at a fairly good setup.
It had been a while since the last test, so I began by reacquainting myself with the EWC-spec bike. However, with the much hotter conditions, adjustments were necessary. After discussing with Nagoe and Kunii, we made quite a few major changes, but I think we’ve arrived at a fairly good setup.
During this morning’s test, the bike felt really good, and I was able to clock a 2:08.5 lap. In the afternoon, the temperature rose, making conditions too harsh for time attacks, so we focused on long runs. We’ll continue working on the bike during Friday’s session to get ready for the race.
During this morning’s test, the bike felt really good, and I was able to clock a 2:08.5 lap. In the afternoon, the temperature rose, making conditions too harsh for time attacks, so we focused on long runs. We’ll continue working on the bike during Friday’s session to get ready for the race.
I’m satisfied with today’s test. We made good progress with the bike setup, and my lap times improved. I’ll focus on turning that into a strong qualifying on Friday, aiming for a Top 10 result.
I’m satisfied with today’s test. We made good progress with the bike setup, and my lap times improved. I’ll focus on turning that into a strong qualifying on Friday, aiming for a Top 10 result.
First of all, I’d like to thank the team for this opportunity. Today’s test started with getting familiar with the machine. Having all three riders share the same feeling allows us to focus on our riding. We’ll continue refining the machine for Friday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race.
First of all, I’d like to thank the team for this opportunity. Today’s test started with getting familiar with the machine. Having all three riders share the same feeling allows us to focus on our riding. We’ll continue refining the machine for Friday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race.
