WorldSBK rookie Iker Lecuona will get an endurance racing baptism of fire next month as he has been drafted into the works Honda Suzuka Eight-Hours team.

The Spaniard, who has only been riding Superbikes this season for HRC after being ejected from MotoGP, will team with Tetsuta Nagashima and three-time winner Takumi Takahashi on Bridgestone tyres.

“I am excited to take on the Suzuka Eight-Houra race with Team HRC. This will be the first time I’m competing in an endurance race,” said Lecuona.

{“I know the Suzuka race is physically very tough for the rider, with the high temperatures, extreme humidity and all the overtaking, but I really like the circuit and can’t wait to get started. Together with my team-mates and technical staff, I will do my best to reach the top of the podium. See you at Suzuka.”

Britain’s Gino Rea will stay with the FCC TSR team alongside Josh Hook and Mike Di Meglio while BSB favourite Ryuichi Kiyonaro is in Team Toho.