Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has revealed the primary teams set to compete in the prestigious 2024 FIM Endurance World Championship’s “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race. The 45th tournament will take place at the Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture, Japan.
Team HRC with Japan Post
Takumi Takahashi (34, Saitama), a five-time winner aiming for a record-breaking sixth victory, will lead Team HRC. Joining him are newcomers Teppei Nagoe (26, Tokyo) and MotoGP veteran Johann Zarco (33, France). Team HRC, seeking its third consecutive win and Honda’s 30th overall victory, is expected to deliver a formidable performance.
- Takumi Takahashi: “This year is pivotal as we aim for a historic victory. With my new teammates, we are geared up for a strong performance.”
- Teppei Nagoe: “Riding for Honda’s factory team for the first time, I am eager to contribute to our success.”
- Johann Zarco: “Participating in the Suzuka 8 Hours is a significant honor, and I am excited to compete and strive for victory.”
SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda
Last year’s runners-up, SDG Team HARC-PRO., will feature Yuki Kunii (21, Tokyo), Naomichi Uramoto (29, Tokyo), and Mario Aji (20, Indonesia). The team is poised to challenge for the top spot with a mix of young talent and seasoned experience.
- Yuki Kunii: “I’m ready to make up for lost time and give my best performance.”
- Naomichi Uramoto: “Grateful for the continued support, we aim to bring home the victory.”
- Mario Aji: “As a first-timer, I am eager to learn and contribute to our team’s success.”
F.C.C. TSR Honda France
Aiming for another podium finish, the twice series-winning F.C.C. TSR Honda France will field regular riders Josh Hook (31, Australia), Mike Di Meglio (36, France), and Alan Techer (29, France).
- Josh Hook: “I’m thrilled to return to Suzuka and ready for a strong performance.”
- Mike Di Meglio: “Eager to race again and meet the enthusiastic Japanese fans.”
- Alan Techer: “Suzuka is special, and I look forward to achieving great results.”
Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo
Competing in the ASB1000 class, Md Zaqhwan Bin Zaidi (28, Malaysia), Andi Farid Izdihar (26, Indonesia), and Nakarin Atiratphuvapat (28, Thailand) will represent Honda Asia-Dream Racing.
- Md Zaqhwan Bin Zaidi: “I’ll give my best for a top 5 finish.”
- Andi Farid Izdihar: “Continuing with the same team, we aim for high goals.”
- Nakarin Atiratphuvapat: “Every race at Suzuka helps me grow, and I’m aiming for a podium finish.”
Full Honda Team Lineup for Suzuka 8 Hours
- #4 TATI TEAM BERINGER RACING: Hugo Clere, Randy Krummenacher, Corentin Perolari
- #5 F.C.C. TSR Honda France: Josh Hook, Mike Di Meglio, Alan Techer
- #17 Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing: Kohta Nozane, Taiga Hada, TBA
- #30 Team HRC with Japan Post: Takumi Takahashi, Teppei Nagoe, Johann Zarco
- #40 Team ATJ with docomo business: Satoru Iwata, Kouki Suzuki, Yuta Okaya
- #71 Honda DREAM RT Sakurai Honda: Kazuki Ito, Daijiro Hiura
- #73 SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda: Yuki Kunii, Naomichi Uramoto, Mario Aji
- #88 Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo: Md Zaqhwan Bin Zaidi, Andi Farid Izdihar, Nakarin Atiratphuvapat
- #104 TOHO Racing: Ryuichi Kiyonari, Kazuki Watanabe, Ikuhiro Enokido
Honda’s teams, brimming with talent and determination, are set to make a significant impact at the Suzuka 8 Hours, promising thrilling competition and pushing the boundaries of endurance racing.
