MIE, Japan, July 6, 2026 - Honda factory team^*1 “Honda HRC” (CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP: Takumi Takahashi / Jonathan Rea / Somkiat Chantra) has won the 2026 FIM^*2 Endurance World Championship “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 Hours Road Race 47th Annual Event (Suzuka 8 Hours) held at the Suzuka Circuit in Mie, on Sunday, July 5.

*1 Factory team: Racing team managed by the bike manufacturer

*2 FIM: Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme

Honda HRC set the fastest time in Friday's qualifying session, securing a place in Saturday's Top 10 Trial, which features the 10 fastest teams from qualifying. However, due to rain, the Top 10 Trial was cancelled. As a result, the qualifying order determined the starting grid, with Honda HRC claiming pole position.
The race got underway at 11:30 am on Sunday, July 5. Honda HRC selected Takumi Takahashi as its starting rider for the fifth consecutive year. In wet conditions following morning rain, Takahashi completed the opening lap in second place before taking the lead on Lap 11. Takahashi and, later, Jonathan Rea each rode through a Safety Car period while maintaining a consistently strong pace. By the halfway point of the race, Honda HRC had built a lead of approximately 46 seconds over the second-placed team and remained in front.
In the second half of the race, Honda HRC continued to control the gap to its rivals while holding the lead. With 34 minutes remaining, a crash brought out the Safety Car, and recovery work and circuit repairs continued. The eight hours elapsed with the Safety Car leading the field, and the checkered flag was waved at 7:30 pm.
Honda HRC has now won the Suzuka 8 Hours for the fifth consecutive year, while Honda recorded its 32nd overall victory in the event. Takumi Takahashi also achieved an unprecedented fifth consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours victory and extended his own record with an eighth career win.

“I'm delighted to have achieved five consecutive victories. The race was held in wet conditions throughout the day, and I'm truly pleased that we were able to finish without any issue. It was unfortunate that Somkiat wasn't able to ride in these conditions, but having him as a teammate helped bring out the best in all of us. Jonathan, a World Champion, was consistently faster than I in the wet and delivered a very stable performance. Every time we came into the pits, the team prepared the bike perfectly without a single mistake, and I believe this result was made possible by the entire team. This victory belongs to everyone in the team.”

“I’m absolutely delighted with this victory. In conditions like these, with changing weather and constant pressure, there was no room for even the slightest mistake. The team did an outstanding job, and the bike was perfect. It reminded me what it feels like to pass other riders on the straights and that I’m still capable of fighting at the front. Thank you. My teammates were also outstanding and delivered consistently strong performances. This result was achieved by the entire team working together. I’d also like to thank all the fans who stayed to support us right to the finish despite the heavy rain.It was truly special to be back at Suzuka. I’m sincerely grateful to Honda HRC for giving me this opportunity. Pole position, fastest lap and the win—it was the perfect race weekend.”

“I’m really happy for Jonathan and Takumi. Today, everyone in the team was filled with happiness. The Suzuka 8 Hours has been a fantastic experience and a great opportunity to learn. I’m grateful to Honda and HRC for giving me this opportunity. Of course, it’s disappointing that I wasn’t able to race, but I enjoyed every moment of the weekend and hope I’ll have another opportunity like this in the future.”

“Honda HRC has achieved its fifth consecutive victory at the Suzuka 8 Hours, and Honda has also recorded its 32nd overall victory in the event. This was the result of the combined efforts of our riders, team staff and everyone involved.I believe the challenge of pursuing these milestones came with tremendous pressure, but I am proud that everyone fulfilled their role and fought through to the finish. Takumi, in particular, claimed his eighth Suzuka 8 Hours victory, extending his own record for the most wins, and played a leading role in the team’s victory. Jonathan and Somkiat also demonstrated their experience and strengths, enhancing the team’s overall capability.I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all our sponsors who supported this challenge, and to the fans at the circuit and around the world for their support. HRC will continue to take on new challenges as we strive for even greater heights.”