Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has confirmed a revised two-rider line-up for the 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race, with Takumi Takahashi and MotoGP star Johann Zarco set to take on the grueling event as a pair. The 46th Suzuka 8 Hours starts today with the main race on Sunday. Press: EWCThe announcement follows the unexpected withdrawal of Xavi Vierge, who will not compete due to “procedural reasons,” as stated by HRC. Vierge had been drafted in as a late replacement for Iker Lecuona, who sustained injuries in a multi-rider crash during last weekend’s World Superbike round in Hungary.

Vierge was part of the victorious HRC team at Suzuka in 2023 and was expected to bolster Honda’s defense of their title. However, during Thursday’s pre-event press conference, HRC confirmed that the team would proceed with just two riders. Zarco acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying:

“Clearly the announcement that Xavi cannot race is a bit of trouble for us. We’ve been unlucky with the third rider—Lecuona was injured, then Xavi came but now can’t compete. Still, we are ready. Takumi and I will aim for another victory.”Zarco, competing at Suzuka for the second time, highlighted the physical demands of tackling the event as a duo, particularly in the sweltering Japanese summer conditions.“With three riders, you can push harder, knowing you have time to recover. Now, it’s about managing energy across longer stints. Fortunately, Takumi is used to this, he doesn’t even sweat! He can ride Suzuka with his eyes closed.”Takahashi, a six-time Suzuka winner and one of the most experienced riders at the event, expressed confidence in the reduced line-up.“Of course it’s always better with three, but I’m used to the heat, I’ve tested a lot here, and I’ve done this race with two riders before. Johann’s in great shape—we’re ready.”

Competing with just two riders significantly increases the physical and mental demands of the race, requiring each to take on more frequent and longer stints. Gregg Black of Yoshimura SERT Motul, who finished third at Suzuka in 2022 as part of a two-man team, knows the challenge well. “It’s much harder. You only get about an hour between stints, and that includes cooling down, refueling, seeing the physio—it’s exhausting. You lose recovery time, and the pace may suffer.”

Despite the setback, Honda HRC remains a favorite heading into the August 1–3 event, with both riders motivated and experienced in endurance racing. Fans can expect an intense and strategic showdown as teams adapt to the grueling conditions and revised line-ups.

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