MotoGP star Johann Zarco will go for back-to-back victories in Japan’s round of the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC). The 34-year-old from France took time out of his preparations for the 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8-Hours Endurance Race to answer five key questions.
After winning on your EWC debut in Suzuka last season, what’s brought you back and how confident are you of a repeat victory, especially with Iker Lecuona joining you and Takumi Takahashi in the Honda HRC line-up?
“I am very pleased to be back as a member of Honda HRC in this traditional and prestigious race. I will bring my good momentum from MotoGP to Suzuka and, clearly with this trio, we’re in contention to win. Whether we’ll have enough margin to win is something I don’t know, and we’ll still have to do everything right. But Iker had some very good tests after me. My tests were good. We were still able to work well and get a good feel for the rain. It was also very instructive on a drying track, especially on a track lasting over two minutes per lap. This allowed us to gather information for tyre management. Then, on the second day, we were able to do quite a few laps in the dry and test many settings.”
What’s changed on your Honda compared to 2024?
“The biggest change is the suspension. Last year we rode with Showa suspension, while this year we’re using Öhlins suspension. So that was the priority of the tests: setting up the bike with this new suspension. I really liked the stability the Öhlins provide during braking. I think there’s still work to be done, especially on the ease of riding to be faster without having to push harder.”
Last year, you said that you had a lot to learn from your teammates and that you needed to adapt. Given your experience and 2024 victory has your contribution been greater so far in terms of set-up?
“Since I managed to set a very good pace from the first test, I was able to try different settings on the bike. The goal was to give feedback and information to Honda and thus compare it with what Takumi Takashi, my team-mate, might like. Despite everything, I think Suzuka is a very technical track, and it’s by knowing the track that you can save the most time, rather than trying to set the bike up perfectly for different riding styles.”
Jack Miller will also be racing in Japan’s EWC round this year, do you think your participation 12 months ago and your victory has sparked even greater interest in the Suzuka 8 Hours?
“I honestly think so. I dared to take on the challenge last year and I enjoyed it, and the victory was great. I think Jack’s presence is a good thing for Yamaha; it’ll give them a bike in addition to the YART one. He’ll also have some good riders with him. Besides, for Jack, this may not be the best time for him right now, and if it works out well, it will certainly allow him to score points with Yamaha.”
How do you manage all this traveling during your MotoGP season, especially with all the time differences?
“It was planned, it was worth doing, because it’s an additional experience to learn how to best manage these MotoGP seasons from year to year. Next year, I’ll probably only do one test. This year, two tests were perhaps a bit too much, even if it allowed me to familiarise myself with Suzuka in the rain. Now that I’ve gained this additional experience, I’ll be more careful to prioritise my MotoGP season because that’s where the level is most demanding. The slightest drop in energy or form is immediately felt.”
The 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8-Hours Endurance Race takes place from 1-3 August. Click HERE for more information.