Flawless Execution and Fierce Endurance: Honda HRC Clinches Fourth Straight Suzuka 8 Hours Victory, Celebrates 31st Overall Win
By combining raw speed, meticulous strategy, mental and physical endurance, and seamless teamwork, the Honda HRC squad delivered a masterclass performance in brutally hot conditions to claim its fourth consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours victory. This win also marks Honda’s 31st overall triumph in the legendary Japanese endurance race.
On Sunday, August 3, the third round of the 2025 FIM Endurance World Championship unfolded at the iconic 46th edition of the Suzuka 8 Hours, where 55 teams lined up at the demanding 5.821 km Suzuka Circuit under a scorching 37ºC sun.
Takumi Takahashi launched Honda HRC’s challenge from pole position. Although he was briefly overtaken on the opening lap by fellow Honda rider Yuki Kunii (#73 SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda), Takahashi kept the pressure on, trailing by mere tenths of a second. He reclaimed the lead on lap 14 with a calculated move.
Completing his first stint on lap 27, Takahashi handed the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP to teammate Johann Zarco, who maintained the advantage, staying roughly 13 seconds ahead of Andrea Locatelli (#21 Yamaha Racing Team) and a further few seconds clear of Keito Abe.
Zarco kept the gap steady until lap 55, when he passed the bike back to Takahashi after nearly two hours of racing. The team’s rhythm remained strong, with Honda HRC managing pit stops strategically. On their third stop (lap 83), they delayed their pit entry longer than rivals — a move that would prove crucial. Zarco resumed with a growing lead, extending the margin to 29 seconds over Katsuyuki Nakasuga.
By the time the race hit the halfway point at lap 111, the Honda duo continued to control the race, sitting over 40 seconds clear of their nearest challengers. As the day wore on and the physical toll mounted, both riders dug deep through their fifth and sixth stints, carefully managing fatigue and temperature in the unrelenting heat.
But just as Honda looked to be cruising, the drama intensified.
The relatively clean race was interrupted twice by safety cars during the seventh stint, the first coming shortly after Takahashi returned to the track on lap 139. Fortunately, this didn’t shuffle the order. Then, moments before their final scheduled stop, a second safety car was deployed. Executing yet another flawless pit stop — with the fastest tire changes and refueling of the entire event — the Honda crew sent Zarco back out, though he had to wait for the safety car to cycle through.
When Zarco rejoined, Locatelli was temporarily in front, but with just 30 minutes to go, the Yamaha rider pitted, handing the lead back to the Frenchman.
Crossing the line at lap 217, Zarco completed a commanding final stint to secure his second Suzuka 8 Hours victory, while Takahashi celebrated a record-breaking seventh win, solidifying his status as the most decorated rider in Suzuka 8 Hours history. The result delivered Honda its unprecedented 31st win at the event.
Quotes from the Honda HRC Team
Team Manager Teruaki Matsubara shared his pride after the race:
“We’re absolutely delighted. First, huge credit to our riders — they were relentless today, pushing through unbearable heat and showing real strength. Our entire team supported them flawlessly. Our pit crew executed with world-class precision — once again, the fastest of the race. Everything we prepared for came together today. It wasn’t an easy race, but it was a fantastic and satisfying one.”
Takumi Takahashi (#30)
Q: How do you reflect on today’s victory?
“With just two of us sharing the bike in these extreme temperatures, I knew it would be one of the toughest races I’ve ever experienced — and it was. By my final stint, I was physically drained, but I stayed focused on hitting consistent laps and managing the lead safely. Johann’s final push was outstanding. I’m really thankful for his effort.”
Q: You’ve now extended your record at Suzuka. How does that feel?
“I already held the record, but to add another win — in such a controlled and professional way — means a lot. Johann and I gave everything. I think he had the toughest job in the final hour, but he showed the true heart of a MotoGP-level rider. I’m also incredibly thankful to our team and the fans — this victory belongs to all of them too.”
Johann Zarco (#30)
Q: What was it like to win your second Suzuka 8 Hours?
“Racing at Suzuka is always a pleasure, especially on such a well-prepared machine. But this time was much harder. The physical recovery between stints was brutal. Fortunately, the safety car during Takumi’s final stint bought me a little recovery time. When I went out, another safety car helped me ease back in — and from there, everything clicked. Takumi was a beast today. He never slowed down, no matter the heat — and that gave me confidence.”
Q: What was it like to ride the final night stint with fans and lights surrounding the track?
“It was magical. Last year, Takumi finished the race, but this time I had that honor. With cooler temperatures and a decent gap, I could really enjoy the moment. The main straight was alive with fans and colors — it was beautiful. Some parts of the circuit were very dark, and I wanted to push, but didn’t need to risk it. I stayed safe and soaked up every second of it. It was the perfect ending to a very hard race.”
🏁 Summary
Honda HRC’s fourth straight win at Suzuka wasn’t just about raw speed — it was about precision, composure, and the will to fight through punishing heat. With Takahashi making history, Zarco adding another notch to his belt, and the team delivering surgical efficiency at every pit stop, the 2025 Suzuka 8 Hours belonged to Honda — again.
Images Official HRC Press Release
