Honda announces rider line-ups for 2026 “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race

TOKYO, JAPAN – Honda has confirmed the rider line-up for the Honda HRC factory team that will compete in the 2026 FIM Endurance World Championship “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race 47th Tournament (Suzuka 8 Hours), set to take place at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture on Sunday, July 5.

Honda HRC will aim for its fifth consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours victory with a three-rider line-up comprising Takumi Takahashi, Johann Zarco and Jonathan Rea, who currently serves as a test rider for Honda HRC in the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK).

Takahashi claimed his fourth consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours victory in 2025, extending his record for the most wins by a single rider to seven. He now returns to lead the factory effort once again as he targets a further milestone. Zarco, currently competing in the MotoGP World Championship with CASTROL Honda LCR, will aim for a third consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours victory, while Rea returns to the iconic endurance race for the first time since 2022 in pursuit of a third overall win.

For the complete list of Honda teams and riders entered for the 2026 Suzuka 8 Hours, please refer to the full release [LINK].

Takumi Takahashi 

“I will compete in the Suzuka 8 Hours again this year as a member of Honda HRC. For me, it is also an opportunity to challenge for a fifth consecutive victory, and it is a great honor as a rider to stand on such a stage. This year, I will compete alongside Zarco, my winning partner from last year, and Rea, a WSBK champion rider, in a strong three-rider lineup. I will do my best to achieve a fifth consecutive victory, and I hope everyone will continue to give Honda HRC their passionate support.”

Johann Zarco 

“I am truly happy to return to the Suzuka 8 Hours again this year as a member of Honda HRC. Winning last year’s eight-hour race was a special honor for me, and I will give everything I have again this year to aim for the top step of the podium. In addition to Takumi, Rea, a highly experienced and reliable rider, will join us as a new teammate this year. I am confident that we can become an even stronger team. I look forward to seeing everyone at Suzuka.”

Jonathan Rea 

“I am sincerely happy to return once again to this historic eight-hour endurance race as a Honda HRC rider. I am also proud to compete as part of a team that has achieved the outstanding feat of four consecutive victories. Although it has been some time since I last competed in an eight-hour race, there is no doubt about the potential of the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP at Suzuka Circuit. Together with Takumi and Zarco, I will give everything to take victory.”