For his first participation in the Suzuka 8h, Johann Zarco struck hard by winning with the Japanese team Honda, for which he is entered in the premier category in MotoGP. During long months of preparation, the Cannes resident put all the chances on his side to win the third round of the motorcycle endurance championship, EWC. Riding machine number thirty of the HRC, alongside his comrades Teppei Nagoe and Takumi Takahashi, the Frenchman completed numerous test laps during the summer break, on the Japanese track. By winning this race, the latter became the record holder for this event. This reconciliation with victory was good for the LCR driver, who has been going through difficult times since the start of the season. Asked about his achievement, Zarco said he was enthusiastic about doing it again next year.
“Maybe so, if possible. I need to look at the calendar and see if it’s working. With this year’s great adventure, it would be great to do it again next year. I told Honda that we had to progress before Dall’Igna arrived in this category. Otherwise, we won’t win anymore!”
The Ducati, Johann Zarco’s next opponents
By winning in a spectacular manner, Honda risks having a hard time if Ducati were to participate in the Suzuka 8h. “There are very fast Ducati riders, like Bagnaia but also [Fabio] Di Giannantonio, who would like to do the Suzuka 8 Hours”, said Ducati’s head of off-road racing. In an interview with Motorsport.com, the double reigning champion, Francesco Bagnaia, showed his interest in this event of the endurance championship and intends to participate if the Italian manufacturer authorizes it.
“I saw [le calendrier] and maybe if a race is canceled or postponed I can go, but I don’t think they want me to go. It’s already a very tough season, with 22 Grands Prix, 44 races, but I would like [rouler à Suzuka]. It’s one of my biggest dreams. I’ve always dreamed of going to Suzuka and doing the 8 Hours, but I might have to wait until I retire. I don’t hope, because I want to do it first, being at my best, but we’ll see. I’ll ask but it’s difficult. Next year it will definitely be difficult.”
See also:
Join Auto-Moto on WhatsApp so you don’t miss any car and 2-wheel news!
Featured Podcasts
MEN LIFE
In Brief
Last July, Johann Zarco participated in an endurance race for the first time in his career. Engaged with the Honda team, the Cannes native achieved the feat by winning in his first year at the Suzuka 8h. The LCR driver hopes to try his luck again in 2025.
