Honda HRC and YRT Hold Joint Press Conference, Strike Fighting Poses to Signal Start of Battle

On Thursday, July 31, the day before the 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race, the battle quietly began. A joint press conference between Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.'s factory team, the Yamaha Racing Team (YRT), and Honda Motor Co., Ltd.'s works team, Honda HRC, was held at Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese and international media.

From YRT, Katsuyuki Nakasuga, Jack Miller, and Andrea Locatelli took the stage and spoke about their determination for the race weekend that kicks off tomorrow.
First to speak was seasoned veteran Nakasuga. "The level of the 8 Hours has been rising year by year, and it's clear that HRC are strong, but we've prepared ourselves to be as close to that level as possible. Jack from MotoGP and Andrea from Superbikes have joined us, and even though we didn't have that much testing, they've demonstrated high adaptability and performed really well. We aim to work together as a team to compete strongly, right from qualifying tomorrow, and strive for the top." Nakasuga's tone was confident.

Miller said, "It's an honor to share the bike with these two fantastic riders. It's going to be a hot and difficult one. We have a strong team and strong bike, and I'm looking forward to getting underway. Even with the qualifying, we have a good chance and a strong opportunity this weekend." Meanwhile, Locatelli said," This is my first time at Suzuka Circuit and my first time on this R1. Being in the factory team in Japan feels good. I'll do my best with Nakasuga-san, who is more or less the king of Suzuka, and Jack, who is a fantastic rider in MotoGP."

Meanwhile, Honda HRC, YRT's strongest rival, was represented by six-time Suzuka 8 Hours winner Takumi Takahashi, and MotoGP rider Johann Zarco. At the beginning of the presentation, it was announced that Xavi Vierge, who had been scheduled to joing the team as a replacement to participate, would be unable to do so, and that Honda HRC would be competing with only two riders.

In response, Takahashi said, "Of course, three riders would be better, but we've prepared well, and as you can see from his physique, I believe Zarco will be fine, and that the two of us can get a good result." Zarco also commented calmly, "We're lucky to have Takumi. He can ride a one-hour stint and not sweat even one drop. I think he can race Suzuka with his eyes closed. But, we'll have to control our energy through the weekend so we don't get too tired."

The press conference ended with a photo session in which both teams struck fighting poses, like boxers before a title bout. Tomorrow, August 1 (Friday), the Suzuka 8 Hours will begin in earnest, starting with the official qualifying session. YRT will finally begin the battle against a multitude of rivals, including Honda HRC.