Despite the gruelling heat and the requirement to run four-hour shifts each due to the absence of third crew member Xavi Vierge, the Honda pair of Johann Zarco and Takumi Takahashi won the 2025 Suzuka 8 Hours.
For the LCR MotoGP team's French rider, it was the second consecutive success. "We had a good pace, and it's always good when you can keep the gap under control but, only in two, and in these weather conditions, it becomes quite complicated, since you sweat a lot, and there's little time to recover. Getting back on the bike for another stint becomes complicated. However, in the end, the pace was there," he said, analyzing the event.
Despite an overwhelming superiority, for a moment, there was a fear of losing the lead. "We had two safety cars, which changed the game a bit, but we equally managed to maintain the lead. I thank my partner, because he did an amazing job. Let's hope that we'll be in three next year because it's better," he added, eager for a third win. "It's a race I love and, having one of the best bikes of the lot in my hands, is a pleasure. You have to learn to manage the energy. In any case, coming to Suzuka for me is a special vacation."
After winning at Le Mans in the top class and repeating the achievement in the Japanese endurance race, the French rider didn't hide his ambitions. "It would be nice to pick up more successes this season. In 2024, when I returned from this experience, I had another spirit, which allowed me to use the bike in a different way and be more aligned with Honda's characteristics. Of course, we still have work to do, because the competition is very strong, but we're growing. At the factory, they're working on some new things that will be introduced. So far, we've alternated good moments with difficulties and, as I was going through my last two stints here, I was thinking of certain solutions I could adopt in the MotoGP, so my head is already in the next round. I hope this weekend will bring the right energy to get off to a good start in the second part of the championship," he concluded.
Seven-time winner of the Japanese reace, Takahashi, was more concise. "I'm very tired. The conditions were incredible and, unlike the others, we only had forty minutes to rest."