Honda HRC Takes Pole Position with New Suzuka 8 Hours Lap Record
At 02:15 pm today all teams entered in the final 45-minute free-practice session of the 46th Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race (Suzuka 8 Hours). Temperature was once again starching hot, above 36°C. Aiming to finalize the #30 Honda HRC CBR1000RR-R-SP machine’s race configuration, Takumi Takahashi completed 10 laps, setting a personal best of 2’06.883. Soon after, Johann Zarco took to the track and completed six more laps, recording a personal best of 2’06.377, which placed the Honda HRC team fourth fastest in the final free practice session. This came just before the thrilling Top 10 Trial — a Suzuka‑only showdown that determines the grid positions from 1 through 10. Positions 11 and lower are based on qualifying results.
Only the ten fastest teams from qualifying progress to this session. Teams ranked 10th to 6th go out first, followed by those ranked 5th to 1st. Each team fields two riders: the slower qualifier takes to the track first, with each completing an out-lap, a single flying lap, and a cool-down lap, before handing over to their teammate. After a five-minute break, the top five teams follow the same procedure. The final classification is determined solely by the best single lap time set by one rider from each team.
The session, which began at 3:30 pm, did not disappoint the many fans filling the grandstands at the circuit. From the first group, featuring the riders of the teams ranked from 10th to 6th, the fastest was #37 Michael Van Der Mark (BMW MOTORRAD WORLD ENDURANCE TEAM), who set a 2’05.508 personal best lap.
In the stint for the teams ranked from 5th to 1st, one of the most dramatic moments came when #21 Jack Miller (YAMAHA RACING TEAM), on a very fast lap, crashed at the final chicane and, despite rejoining, was unable to set a competitive time. When it was Takumi Takahashi’s turn to take to the track, the Honda HRC rider jumped to the top of the provisional standings with a time of 2’05.223. Then it was time for the final five riders. #21 Andrea Locatelli (YAMAHA RACING TEAM), moved into the lead with an outstanding 2’04.316, soon followed by #76 Naomichi Uramoto (AutoRace Ube Racing team), who slotted into second place with a time of 2’05.001. The last to take to the track was Johann Zarco who, with a blistering performance, not only secured pole position for the Honda HRC team but also set the fastest lap ever recorded at the Suzuka 8 Hours in 2.04.290.
The 46th Suzuka 8 Hours race will start in its traditional style tomorrow, August 3, 2025 at 11:30 am JST time.
Johann Zarco 30
Q. Did you expected to make the Pole Position today?
A. We knew we have a good pace for the race, but also that some riders gain an extra advantage on new tyres. Even this morning, in the final free practice, several improved their performance, so honestly I wasn’t really expecting pole position. Above all, I didn’t expect to go into the low 2’04s. I thought I’d be in the mid 2’04s, and I knew that wouldn’t be enough for pole. At the same time, I was also aware that with with many years of experience on different bikes, I could try to make the most of the new rear tyre, which offers a little more performance. I’m very happy that I managed to do that here today. When I saw the flag signaling we had set the best time, I felt great joy, and I’m glad I could give Takumi the opportunity to start from pole tomorrow.Q. Today you also set a new all time lap record at Suzuka
A. It’s certainly nice, but winning this race is more legendary than taking pole or setting a lap record.Q: This is your second Suzuka 8 Hours. Are you approaching it any differently?
A: My preparation this year has been the same. If you’re fit enough for MotoGP, you can be prepared to handle a demanding race like Suzuka. Of course, the work is different, with several one-hour stints in very hot conditions, but you can manage it with more control, whereas in a GP you push harder and it can actually feel more exhausting. Mentally, last year’s experience makes me, let's say, calmer, and this year I’ve enjoyed Suzuka more because I know the track better. Of course, the pressure is building as doing well for Honda here means only one thing: winning. Anyway, that’s the kind of pressure I face every race weekend, so I’m used to it.Q. What work did you focus on this morning in the final free practice session?
A. We continued collecting general data, to find a way to maintain the best pace while spending as little energy as possible. I’m pleased because both in terms of race pace and, today, in terms of pure speed, I feel I’ve made a step forward with the CBR1000RR-R-SP.
Takumi Takahashi 30
Q. You did a strong lap in the top 10 Trials, was it what you were aiming for?
A. Well, during today’s free practice, I also put new tyres, but I couldn’t set a good time. I wasn’t sure why. In the end, I think it was probably because of the track temperature. With things as they were, I wasn’t expecting too much, but as the track temperature dropped a bit, the feeling came back. At first, my target was to get under the 2’06 mark, to be in the 2’05s. Then it turned out I could actually push a bit more, so by the end I was aiming for the low 2’05s, and if possible, to get into the 2’04s.Q. What work did you focus on this morning in the final free practice session?
A. Well, it was mainly some final checks of the bike specifics. It wasn’t very long, just a 10 lap run, to collect some final data.Q. You’ve already taken part in many Suzuka 8 Hours races, and tomorrow you’ll try to get your seventh trophy. How do you feel about that?
A. Not in any particular way. Every year I’ve just focused on that year’s race, aiming only for victory at that time. As a result, with everything coming together, I managed to achieve six wins, including last year. This year as well, rather than specifically aiming for a seventh, I’m simply giving my best in this race.Q. Hot temperature is a constant factor at the Suzuka 8 Hours. How will you approach the race tomorrow?
A. The heat looks even more intense than last year. From what we’ve seen so far, the temperature is higher, and while I’ve raced as part of a two rider team before, it wasn’t under such extreme conditions. The key tomorrow will be how well we manage our physical strength and how quickly we can recharge between stints”.
Location Information
SUZUKA 8HOURS ESSENTIAL* Name: SUZUKA CIRCUIT Location: 7992 Ino-Cho, Suzuka-shi, Mie-ken 510-0295, Japan Track length: 5.821 kilometres Race distance: 8 hours Official website Suzuka Circuit Suzuka Circuit Operated by Honda-owned Mobilityland, Suzuka features a unique figure-of-eight layout and presents a considerable challenge for riders thanks to its wide variety of corners.… read more.
7992 Inoucho, Suzuka, Mie, Japan - View in Google Maps
Records
| POLE POSITION RECORD | 2'04.934s Team HRC - Tetsuta Nagashima - Honda CBR1000RR-R SP (2022) |
| RACE RECORD | 2'06.805s Kawasaki Racing Team - Jonathan Rea - Kawasaki ZX10RR (2019) |
