Johann Zarco, the LCR Honda MotoGP star, is set to compete again in the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race this August, aiming to defend his 2024 victory at Japan’s prestigious FIM Endurance World Championship event. The French rider, who impressed during his debut last year by securing a third consecutive win for Honda, will return with the factory team alongside Takumi Takahashi and newcomer Iker Lecuona.
This season, Zarco comes to Suzuka in strong form, having achieved a victory and podium finishes in MotoGP, establishing himself as Honda’s leading rider after ten of the 22 scheduled rounds.
Testing, Technical Changes, and New Suspension Setup
During recent preparations, Zarco highlighted the importance of his Yamaha test efforts, particularly noting work done on improving wet-weather performance and tyre management. He remarked that gathering information through laps in rainy conditions aided the team significantly.
Regarding technical upgrades, Zarco detailed a key change to this year’s factory Honda CBR1000RR-R, pointing out that the team switched suspension suppliers from Showa to Öhlins. This change was the primary focus of their test sessions as they worked to optimize the bike’s handling.
“The biggest change is the suspension. Last year we rode with Showa suspension, while this year we’re using Ohlins suspension,”
Zarco said.
He also praised the enhanced braking stability provided by the new Öhlins suspension but acknowledged that further refinement is needed to improve ease of riding and lap times without pushing harder.
“I really liked the stability the Ohlins provide during braking. I think there’s still work to be done, especially on the ease of riding to be faster without having to push harder.”
Zarco’s Evolving Role in Bike Development
Having earned a Suzuka victory, Zarco is now more involved in fine-tuning the bike, offering feedback based on his pace and tests. Despite his growing input, he emphasized that intimate track knowledge remains critical for performance at this demanding circuit.
“Since I managed to set a very good pace from the first test, I was able to try different settings on the bike,”
he explained, adding that his experience helps in guiding Honda’s setup choices while comparing preferences with teammate Takumi Takahashi.
“Despite everything, I think Suzuka is a very technical track, and it’s by knowing the track that you can save the most time, rather than trying to set the bike up perfectly for different riding styles.”
Miller Returns to Suzuka, Joining the Field with Yamaha
Johann Zarco will not be the only MotoGP competitor at the event, as Australian rider Jack Miller makes his comeback to Suzuka for the first time since 2017. Miller is signed with the factory Yamaha team for this endurance race, adding another competitive presence alongside the YART team.</p>
Zarco welcomed Miller’s participation and noted the positive impact his presence could have for Yamaha’s performance in the race.
“I dared to take on the challenge last year and I enjoyed it, and the victory was great,”
Zarco remarked.
“I think Jack’s presence is a good thing for Yamaha; it’ll give them [another competitive] bike in addition to the YART one. He’ll also have some good riders with him.”
“Besides, for Jack, this may not be the best time for him right now, and if it works out well, it will certainly allow him to score points with Yamaha [as a company].”
Preparation Ahead of the 46th Suzuka 8 Hours
The 46th edition of the Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race is scheduled for August 1-3 in Japan. Prior to this, Zarco and Miller will compete in the German and Czech rounds of the MotoGP season, maintaining their race readiness and form leading into the endurance event.
The Suzuka 8 Hours stands as a significant race in the FIM Endurance World Championship calendar, drawing top riders and manufacturers committed to endurance racing excellence. With Zarco aiming to defend his title and Miller returning after several years, the competition promises to be intense and captivating for fans and participants alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where is Jack Miller in 2025?
A. Feeling refreshed by being back home, Miller joined Paolo Campinoti’s team again in 2025. He became one of the two Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP riders, representing Yamaha’s factory team.
Q. Where will Jack Miller be in 2025?
A. Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is happy to share its initial factory rider line-up for the 2025 “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race. After an eight-year gap, MotoGP star Jack Miller is returning to the FIM Endurance World Championship with Yamaha’s Racing Team.
