Team HRC has announced that both of its WorldSBK Championship riders will compete in the 2023 Suzuka 8 Hours, with Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge joining Takumi Takahashi in Honda’s factory line-up.

The manufacturer romped to a dominant victory in 2022 - its first since 2014 - with Lecuona joining domestic favourites Takahashi and former Moto2 race winner Tetsuta Nagashima to finish more than a lap ahead of the factory Kawasaki Racing Team.

Victory for Lecuona came on what was his debut appearance at the Suzuka 8 Hours, which is considered to be one of the most important races in Honda’s annual programme. With a year’s experience now under his belt, he is confident the combination of himself, Vierge and four-time winner Takahashi will be tough to beat again.

"I'm very happy to be able to fight in Suzuka 8 Hours as Team HRC again this year. I was able to win last year, but I understood that it was not an easy race.

"This year, my teammates will be Takumi Takahashi and Xavi Vierge, and I'm looking forward to running with them now. We will do our best with the team and staff and aim for the top of the podium."

It’s a feat Lecuona’s WorldSBK team-mate Vierge is keen to emulate when he makes his first appearance in the endurance classic in August.

"This time, I will participate in Suzuka 8 Hours for the first time from Team HRC. I am very happy to be able to participate as a rider on the same stage where many riders have made history so far. 

“Iker Lecuona is also a teammate in WorldSBK, and Takumi Takahashi is a great rider with a lot of past race experience. I believe that if the three riders work together, we can win the race.”

The full entry list for the 2023 Suzuka 8 Hours - to be held on August 4-6 - is yet to be announced, though there are hopes British rider Tarran Mackenzie will be included in Honda’s expansive line-up factory and privateer line-up following two tests at Suzuka earlier in the month.