Honda wins endurance race at Suzuka

Honda’s factory team, Team HRC (Honda Racing Corporation), won the 44th Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race.

According to the Japanese automotive brand, the team won with its CBR1000RR-R Fireblade for the first time since the 33rd Suzuka 8 Hours in 2010.

“First, I would like to congratulate the three Team HRC with Japan Post riders, team staff and everyone involved. I am very proud of everyone overcoming the pressure of defending the Suzuka 8 Hours title to win again. I would like to thank Japan Post Co., Ltd. and all our other sponsors who supported our efforts. HRC will continue to meet the expectations of motorsports fans and Honda fans, aiming even higher than before. I look forward to everyone’s support,” commented Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe.

Sitting on the saddle that led to the win were riders Takumi Takahashi, Tetsuta Nagashima, and Xavi Vierge.

During the two qualifying sessions of the event, Nagashima set the fastest lap time in the race at two minutes and 5.7 seconds. This contributed to the team’s average lap time, which was second overall. The said feat allowed the Honda factory team to proceed to the Top 10 Trial, during which Nagashima once again set the fastest lap at two minutes and 5.3 seconds.

“I really didn’t know if I could race in the Suzuka 8 Hours this year because of my injury. I was also worried that I would not be fast enough. Without the speed, I would not be selected, and if I was selected, I had to win. There was a lot of pressure, so I’m relieved we won. Last year’s Suzuka 8 Hours was the first time for me so everything was new, and I relied on Takumi a lot and just rode as fast as I could, but this year I’m a bit more mature, and managed to pace myself in the last stint, which I think helped in winning. I’m grateful to everyone at HRC for giving me this opportunity,” Nagashima commented.

At the start of the race, Takahashi initially lost the lead but managed to get back on top where he gradually extended the gap to the second-place rider. In the following stints, Honda stated, both Nagashima and Vierge kept consistent, fast paces to extend the lead even further.

“I’m relieved we won. It started to rain in my final stint, so I thought fate was against us. My lap times were very slow, but I had to stay upright, so I avoided taking any risks. Tetsuta and Xavi both had great pace, which led to our victory. I’m grateful to everyone in the team. I also managed to equal the most Suzuka 8 Hours wins for a rider. I had many chances up to now but failed, so if I have the chance in the future, I’d like to extend my record,” Takahashi explained.

Conclusively, Team HRC with Japan Post crossed the finish line with 216 laps and gave Honda its second consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours pole-to-win.

“Being able to race in the Suzuka 8 Hours was the best experience. It was my first time, but I had the best teammates, and learned a lot. The safety car came out during my stint, and I didn’t know what to do because I didn’t have the experience. But I rode carefully, because I could not fail. Takumi and Tetsuta both had tough stints in the rain. I believe we could overcome these difficulties because we worked as a team. I’m grateful for the team’s support as well. I’ll gladly come back to Suzuka as many times as I can to have this amazing experience again!” noted Vierge.

Photos from Honda

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