Johann Zarco Gears Up for Suzuka 8 Hours Glory, Excitement Builds Among Competitors

Johann Zarco expresses enthusiasm for the Suzuka 8 Hours event, while Guintoli is thrilled about the prospect of sharing the track with him. Zarco is eager to join the ranks of MotoGP celebrities who have clinched victory at the Suzuka 8 Hours race.

As MotoGP pauses its season, LCR Honda's Johann Zarco is on his way to Japan to compete in the 45th iteration of the esteemed Suzuka 8 Hours endurance event.

Honda's MotoGP endeavor may be facing challenges, but the French rider has his eyes set on victory in Japan, where he aims to secure a third consecutive win for Team HRC at Suzuka.

Zarco will team up on the Bridgestone-equipped Fireblade for the event running from July 19 to 21, alongside five-time champion Takumi Takahashi and the newly joined Team HRC member Teppei Nagoe.

"Participating in the Suzuka 8 Hours fills me with enthusiasm," Zarco, who clinched the 2023 Australian MotoGP victory with Pramac Ducati before making a switch to Honda this year, expressed.

"The grandest motorcycle competition and a crucial event for Honda."

"Following in the footsteps of numerous MotoGP icons who have triumphed at the Suzuka 8 Hours, I too aim to secure a victory alongside Team HRC and Japan Post as their rider."

"I'm grateful to Honda and LCR for providing me with this chance."

Zarco experienced the renowned 5.821-kilometer Suzuka Circuit for the first time during a testing session last month.

"Zarco was notably impressed by Suzuka, praising its remarkable speed and the quality of its asphalt for providing excellent traction."

"Over the course of two days, by spending a significant amount of time on the track, I managed to familiarize myself with it. Takahashi is incredibly quick, so my goal was to observe and absorb as much as I could from him. Overall, I believe we had a thoroughly enjoyable testing session."

"On the first day, I felt anxious since everything was unfamiliar, but over time, my nerves calmed, and I improved at riding. I believe my performance will enhance in the upcoming race."

"The bicycle offers a competitive edge, allowing you to focus on your own improvement."

"MotoGP competitions typically span around 40 minutes, yet a single segment in the Suzuka 8 Hours extends to an hour. This marks my first experience competing for such an extended duration."

"I've always had my sights set on competing in the Suzuka 8 Hours, along with the 24 Heures Motos and the Bol d’Or – events I've pledged to participate in one day."

"I had the thought that this year might be feasible since [the dates don't conflict]."

"When Honda approached me with the offer, I eagerly accepted because it presented a chance to enjoy some independence and engage in various enjoyable activities."

Guintoli: Thrilled to Race Alongside Zarco

At Suzuka, Zarco will face competition from his fellow Frenchman and ex-MotoGP competitor Sylvain Guintoli, who will be racing with the BMW Motorrad World Endurance team.

"Guintoli expressed enthusiasm about Johann Zarco's participation in the race, noting his frequent visits to the MotoGP paddock due to his television duties for TNT Sports. He highlighted that Zarco's involvement is beneficial for both the championship and the race's overall stature."

"Additionally, it will be fantastic to experience the race alongside Johann, and I'm eager to discover his capabilities on an endurance motorcycle."

"I'm confident he'll find it enjoyable and challenging. However, it's a race within his reach to win, so it'll be pleasant to have him racing alongside us."

Josh Hook from F.C.C. TSR Honda France commented, "With his extensive experience, he certainly knows how to handle his responsibilities. I'm confident he'll perform admirably, especially with the advantage of riding an exceptional bike equipped with superior tyres."

"Numerous MotoGP and World Superbike competitors have participated in this event over the years, attracting a great deal of excitement. Additionally, it's beneficial to compete alongside these athletes to observe their strategies and actions."

Gregg Black, a racer for Yoshimura SERT Motul, who is set to be absent from next week's race due to an injury, expressed that it's beneficial for everyone to witness him participate in this competition.

"His impressive track record in MotoGP, coupled with his new association with Honda, makes it an ideal situation for him to participate in the Suzuka 8 Hours."

Past champions of the Suzuka 8 Hours race among MotoGP competitors feature names such as Pol Espargaro, Bradley Smith, Carlos Checa, Colin Edwards, Valentino Rossi, Alex Barros, Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan, Eddie Lawson, and Wayne Rainey.

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