Calm, Passionate, and Ready to Shine in Important Suzuka 8 Hours

The Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team (YART) is competing in the Suzuka 8 Hours with the calm composure typical of regular Endurance World Championship (EWC) teams.

Marvin Fritz, Karel Hanika, and Leandro "Tati" Mercado arrived in Japan well ahead of the event, touching down on Tuesday, June 23. "At first, we had some earthquakes and some typhoons, but we really enjoyed Tokyo. We went to the Bridgestone factory and got to see how their tires are actually made--it was really amazing. That made me respect our tires even more!" said a delighted Fritz.

Mercado added, "This is my third time in Japan. I'm always happy to come here, and I enjoy visiting different places before the race to learn about Japanese culture. Last year it was super hot, but this time feels different--it's a nice change," he mentioned, showing no signs of pre-race nerves. It's clear he's had an enjoyable time leading up to the race weekend.

Team Manager Mandy Kainz admitted that preparation has been tough this year, noting that the team weren't present for the pre-season tests in May. "Because the race is earlier than usual this year, we had to ship the bike and parts to Japan the day after Spa," Kainz explained, referencing Round 2. "We just didn't have the bikes and equipment to test." But despite the clear frustration, his confidence remained unshaken.

That is because YART won the season-opener Le Mans 24 Heures Motos, took 2nd at Round 2, the 8 Hours of Spa, and is heading into this Suzuka 8 Hours as the championship leader with a 22 point gap to the team in 2nd.

"I don't think it's that we're especially strong this year. We've just been doing our jobs as usual, focusing especially on reducing mistakes during the race. That's all it took to get good results. We haven't done anything special. It's just business as usual," said Kainz, repeatedly emphasizing that there was nothing "special" about their work this year--but that doesn't mean the team is overconfident. Perhaps their ability to simply keep doing their jobs in a calm, steady way is what makes them special.

Before the season started, the one factor that was still an unknown was the presence of Mercado, who had just joined the team. That factor turned out to be no cause for worry. "This team has been around for about 25 years, but he's already integrated perfectly and fits right in with us. I'm sure there was pressure to deliver good results, but Tati has handled it well," said Kainz. "It's really positive," Fritz added, nodding. "In the first test, it already felt like we'd been riding together for years. He knows EWC and knows the tires too, so he caught up to our pace right away. In endurance racing, it's very important for all three riders to be at the same level, so that's been a major plus."

Mercado, for his part, said, "To be honest, I was surprised when I got the offer. Niccolò Canepa called me, and I was so incredibly happy to be joining the world champion team that I answered 'YES!' right away." He added, "Marvin is a very determined, very kind person, and we'd already built a good relationship. I've known Karel for a while, too--in fact, we train and ride motocross together. Karel is incredibly competitive, but he's also a very kind person. With both of them helping me settle in, I've been able to fit right into the team. From day one, it's felt like home, and I think I've been able to do a great job!"

Fritz looked back at the season-opening Le Mans 24 Heures Motos. "We took pole position and won the race--it was fantastic to score the maximum points, and it was the best possible start to the season. Plus, that was back-to-back wins for us, and it was great that we could win in Tati's first race with the team." It's clear that Mercado's move has been a success.

Talking about Round 2 that followed, Hanika commented, "I think we did a smart race. Both the team and my teammates were in top form, and we had great race pace and performance. We were close to the lead, but we didn't push ourselves beyond our limits, which meant that in the end we could pick up important points for the championship. I think we made all the right choices, and I'm even happier we did back-to-back podium finishes," underscoring the team's strong form.

As the 8 Hours race weekend gets underway, this year's event once again features many top teams, including the Yamaha Factory Racing Team, Honda HRC, along with BMW and Yoshimura SERT. From a fan's perspective, it promises to be a thrilling battle.

Fritz was clear, "We are also one of those strong teams. Our main rivals are SERT and BMW, so it's important for us to do a good race first and, just like at Le Mans and Spa, score as many points as possible to put ourselves in a good position for the Bol d'Or. Before, we visited Yamaha headquarters in Iwata City and saw everyone working there. I'm proud to be able to wear Yamaha racing blue and compete here in Japan in front of so many of the company's employees," he said. "Suzuka is like an 8-hour sprint race," added Mercado. "It's very fast, and it's a super tough race where every manufacturer is aiming for the win."

Hanika said, "It's always a great pleasure to race in front of Yamaha fans and the Yamaha employees who build these wonderful bikes, and I feel a responsibility to deliver good results for them. Of course we're cheering for #21 too, but first of all we'll just focus on our own job and try to score as many points as possible.

Team Manager Mandy Kainz has many fond memories of the 8 Hours. "YART has been competing with Yamaha for 26 years. That's why I believe YART is a part of Yamaha's history, and why I think we're forever connected to Yamaha through the victories and titles we've won together. I have so many precious memories riding with 'Katsu' as well. This year will be his last. He brought YART its first pole position here at Suzuka, and together we raced in Europe, in Doha, and of course at Suzuka--smiling, crying, and laughing, all together. He'll always be our hero," he said, growing a bit sentimental. "It's true we haven't been able to test, but all three riders know Suzuka well, so it won't be a problem. We'll just focus on not making any mistakes during the race. The results will come."

Ultimately, no matter what kind of race unfolds on the asphalt in Suzuka, YART will meet the challenge with their signature poise and calm resolve. But do not mistake that poise and resolve for a lack of fire--their passion burns brighter than anyone else's, fueled by a dedication to all the Yamaha fans who watch them race. Now, the preparation is over, the strategy is set, and it's time for the final battle to begin.