Valentino Rossi’s debut season in the 500cc world championship was impressive, with two victories and 10 podium finishes that solidified his future superstar status. However, that same year, he also took on the grueling Suzuka 8 Hours — one of the most demanding and prestigious endurance races, especially for Japanese manufacturers like Honda.
Back then, it was standard for top 500cc and World Superbike riders to race at Suzuka, often as part of their contracts. Honda paired Rossi with Colin Edwards, the 1999 World Superbike runner-up and 1996 Suzuka winner, forming a rare all-foreign lineup on the new VTR1000SPW in Castrol colors.
Their first attempt in 2000 was cut short by crashes from both riders, with Rossi admitting he pushed too hard and crashed early. Edwards later also fell, ending their race before halfway. Despite Honda still winning that year, a second attempt was lined up for 2001, per the two-race clause in Rossi’s contract.
For Rossi, the 2001 race was not just about redemption but also about getting the win and avoiding a third appearance at a race he found exhausting. The extreme heat, humidity, and race format — which demanded around four hours of riding per person — were far removed from the sprint-style MotoGP races he was used to.
Teamed once again with Edwards, now the reigning WSBK champion, and joined by a nominal third rider, Manabu Kamata, the duo returned with serious focus. Rossi took the start and quickly grabbed the lead, holding it until the first pitstop. Edwards then took over and engaged in a fierce battle with Alex Barros, trading places several times.
Midway through the race, Tadayuki Okada — Barros’s teammate — crashed in front of Rossi, forcing evasive action but no fall. The battle remained close, aided by a safety car, until Barros made a crucial pitstop error late in the race, giving Rossi and Edwards the buffer they needed.
Edwards crossed the finish line 14 seconds ahead, giving Rossi his first and only win at Suzuka. Rossi became the first Italian rider to win the event and later said the victory was deeply meaningful after the disappointment of the previous year.
Though the win took a serious physical toll — Rossi admitted it took him months to recover — it stands as one of the most overlooked achievements in his legendary career. He never returned to Suzuka, but Edwards continued and won again the following year with Daijiro Kato.
Today, MotoGP riders rarely participate in the Suzuka 8 Hours due to the demanding schedule. But this year, Honda’s Johann Zarco and Yamaha’s Jack Miller will take on the challenge, aiming to add their names to a list that includes Rossi’s often-overlooked triumph.
