Johann Zarco has confirmed he will return to the Suzuka 8 Hours for a shot at a third consecutive victory in 2026.<\/p>\n
The LCR Honda<\/a> rider teamed up with Takumi Takahashi to secure Honda\u2019s record-extending 31st win in last year\u2019s event.<\/p>\n The duo overcame a factory Yamaha challenge that included Zarco’s fellow MotoGP rider Jack Miller<\/a> despite being reduced to a two-rider entry in the gruelling heat, after Xavi Vierge withdrew.<\/p>\n \u201cJust doing it with two riders was really, really difficult,\u201d Zarco said at the time.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks to Takumi because he’s always doing the job, every stint, and that’s so impressive.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n \u201cI tried to do the same, and I hope next year we will be three riders.\u201d<\/p>\n While Honda\u2019s 2026 Suzuka line-up is yet to be announced, Zarco confirmed he will again be involved.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 8 Hours of Suzuka has almost become a tradition for me with Honda,\u201d Johann Zarco<\/a> told the official EWC website.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s also part of our contract because they need a top rider to try to win, and I really enjoy racing there.\u201d<\/p>\n This year\u2019s event will present an added challenge, falling between MotoGP rounds rather than during the summer break.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s going to be tricky this year is that it falls between two Grand Prix races,\u201d Zarco confirmed.<\/p>\n \u201cSo I\u2019ll be racing back-to-back in the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Suzuka and Germany.<\/p>\n \u201cThat means four weeks straight.\u201d<\/p>\n