Suzuki’s MotoGP test rider Randy De Puniet will join MCE British Superbike star Josh Waters in the Yoshimura team for this year’s Suzuka Eight-Hours at the end of July.

The Frenchman, who hasn’t competed in the Eight-Hours before, got his first Grand Prix podium at the Japanese track and completes a three-man line-up which also includes Takuya Tsuda.

“Im really excited to race this year at the Suzuka Eight-Hours race in July with Team Yoshimura Suzuki. I have always been interested in racing here, because it's an iconic race and it's also one of my favorite tracks. I have good memories of racing there with my first GP podium in 2002, 250cc class,” said De Puniet.

“For me, it will be a new experience to do an endurance race, to share a bike, and also to ride this Superbike machinery. It will be a special event because it's the 60th Anniversary of the Yoshimura Team and I'm really happy to be there for it. I will do my very best to win this race for Suzuki and Yoshimura.”