Honda HRC and Johann Zarco returned to the top step of the Suzuka 8 Hours podium after managing their lead.

For the second year in a row, Johann Zarco stood on the top step of the podium at the Suzuka 8 Hours as he and Honda HRC claimed another victory at the iconic event.

The Frenchman was part of a two-rider team with Japanese rider Takumi Takahashi, alongside him for the second year in a row.

The duo had to ride for nearly four hours each across the four hours compared to their rivals, who fielded three rider teams.

However, Zarco was able to take the chequered flag with a 34-second advantage over the factory Yamaha Racing Team.

"The Suzuka 8 Hours is a race I enjoy a lot, and being on the best bike, one that is a pleasure to ride, is absolutely great," Zarco said.

"At the same time, today was so, so hard, in incredibly tough conditions. I was able to keep control on track, as I expected, but recovering between stints was much harder than I thought it would be. Then, in the last hour, a safety car came out and added a few extra laps to Takumi’s final stint, which gave me a little more time to recover.

"When it was the moment for me to go out, another safety car was out and it helped me slowly get back into rhythm, so finally, everything worked out really well.

"Huge shoutout and thanks to Takumi, who was incredibly strong — in every stint, no matter the heat, he showed no weaknesses. That’s a huge advantage for the team. Our plan was also very good, and making only seven stops made the difference."

In 2024, Takahashi took the chequered flag at Suzuka, but this season Zarco was given the honours and experience that he labelled as 'really stunning'.

"It really was beautiful. Last year Takumi did the final stint, but this time we stuck to the original plan, which was for me to do it," he added.

"It felt great, and once the temperature dropped a little, it became more manageable on the bike. And of course, when you have a gap to manage — I had about thirty seconds in the last half hour — it gives you a bit of security.

"I even started to take in all the colors, and the grandstand along the straight was really stunning. In other sections, the track was very dark, and even though I wanted to go faster than 2’09, it really wasn’t possible. But there was no need anyway, so I just enjoyed riding all the way to the finish line."