Johann Zarco powered through exhaustion and extreme heat to secure a second consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours win, this time sharing the ride with only one teammate — Takumi Takahashi — after Xavi Vierge was sidelined due to “procedural reasons.”
With just two riders managing the grueling endurance race, Zarco and Takahashi each completed nearly four hours on track in scorching conditions, facing tougher demands than their three-rider rivals. Despite limited rest and punishing heat, the Honda duo managed to hold a steady lead, eventually taking victory more than 34 seconds ahead of Jack Miller’s Yamaha squad.
Zarco, who took the chequered flag aboard the No. 30 Honda, was visibly drained in the post-race interview.
“Doing it with just two riders is really difficult — it’s too hot, you sweat a lot, and recovery time is too short,” said Zarco. “The pace was good and we kept the gap even with the safety cars. But it was tough.”
He praised teammate Takahashi’s consistent performance and admitted that next year, he hopes Honda can bring in a third rider for better balance.
Despite the physical toll, Zarco expressed his love for the event: “It’s a race I enjoy. Riding one of the best bikes at Suzuka — it’s like a special holiday for me.”
Takahashi, who now holds a record seven Suzuka 8 Hours victories with Honda, echoed the exhaustion: “Very high temperature. Only 40 minutes of rest between stints. I just want to say thank you to Johann and the whole team.”
