Karel Hanika: We Can Battle with Anybody, Whether They're from MotoGP or WorldSBK

Last year at Suzuka, we had a technical problem. We were unlucky and the bike stopped at a really difficult part of the track, but I knew it was only a small problem with the electronics, so I didn't hesitant at all to try to push the bike back. It took longer than I thought it would, but I know it was worth it because we got three valuable points in the end.

Coming into the final round of last season, we honestly weren't in a position to win the title, so to somehow take it in the end was truly a great moment for the whole team. For me personally, I think it was the greatest feeling of accomplishment I've had in my career. Everyone on the team worked so hard to make it happen, so it was a completely different feeling to winning a title alone. I will never forget the feeling I had in that moment, being able to share that joy with everyone.

This season, we have the same riders, the same bike, and the same team. The only major change is our number, going from YART's traditional #7 to the #1. Our roles as riders in the team have not changed either, because it's a simple one: go as fast as possible! No, not only fast, sometimes we also need to go slow and steady, but all three of us know that we always have to ride at our best. This year, Niccolò especially has been super-fast and is pushing me and Marvin, and it's great to have this kind of relationship in the team where we inspire each other to be faster.

I think that's why YART has also shown our speed from the opening round this season. In Le Mans I made a mistake and we missed out on a win because of that. Obviously, that isn't a good memory for me. I had a pretty big gap to 2nd place, but it happened in the morning. I'm still not totally sure what happened, but anyway, it was disappointing. I also injured my shoulder and couldn't continue to race, so it was bad all around for me. But in the end, we are a team and everyone covered for me. I'm really proud of this team and I'm grateful to all of them. That was a moment that made me happy to be part of a team like YART.

Honestly, that just gave me more motivation to win. At Spa, I think we were all super-focused. The bike was set up really well, the mechanics' pit work was perfect, and me and my teammates were fast. It was tough because we had to take one more pit stop than the other teams, but I think the reason we won is because the whole team worked so well together.

Compared to a 24-hour race, the Suzuka 8 Hours runs at a fast pace and the Japanese teams are especially quick, so as a rider, it's a race where you have to go full gas rather than try to keep a steady pace. It's almost like an 8-hour sprint race. Not only that, but there are also a lot of teams and a lot of bikes on track, so you have to stay aware of your surroundings. There's often a big gap in the pace run between the bikes, meaning you need to pass a lot of them, and that makes it a difficult race trying to stay safe during your stint.

I haven't been able to accomplish my goal of a Suzuka podium in the last two years, but that goal remains the same. We've had plenty of speed in the past, the bike was good, and we riders were ready, but we still couldn't make it happen. This will be the third Suzuka 8 Hours that we have the same rider lineup, and I think we are the fastest we've ever been and have had the best teamwork this year.

The main thing we have to think about is winning the title, but personally, I want to beat the Japanese teams. I know they will all have strong packages, but I also think it will be tough for them to compete against YART. One reason for that is because we spend a lot of time together off-track, where we're friends, we know each other very well, and we have a great relationship. We're fast when we race too, so I think it will be hard for those teams to beat us. For me, whether it's a MotoGP rider or a WorldSBK rider, I think we can battle with anybody.

Having said that, it's still pretty exciting to be on track with a MotoGP star. I've known Johann Zarco since 2015, when we were in the same team. I was in Moto3 when he was in Moto2. He's definitely one of the best in the world. Remember, he won his first MotoGP race last year.

Many people are supporting YART again this year, so I have to say thank you!　We always receive a lot of support at the Suzuka 8 Hours, both at the track and through people watching on TV and other media. It would be great to see a lot of blue in the stands when we're riding around. In the race at Suzuka, we're going to get the best result possible for Yamaha and for all the fans. Don't miss it!