Yamaha has expressed their gratitude to their sponsors and suppliers for their incredible support. They extended their tanks to all of the fans that made it to the circuit in the summer hear to cheer for the Yamaha teams competing in this year’s Suzuka 8 Hours.

Katsuyuki Nakasuga (Yamaha Factory Racing Team)- As It Happened

Yamaha Factoy Racing Team

Photo credits: Yamaha Racing

“I was so happy to be able to ride with these guys again at Suzuka, and I think we had a really enjoyable and fulfilling race week overall. We all gave a 100% effort, and we were able to work together really well in sharing the R1 for our stints. The entire team and staff, not just us riders, showed how strong we are in the race today,” says Nakasuga as quoted from Yamaha Racing.

Alex Lowes (Yamaha Factory Racing Team)- As It Happened

Yamaha Factory Racing Team

Photo credits: Yamaha Racing

“I love the Suzuka 8 Hours and to get the opportunity to ride with Michael rather than against him is nice, as he’s a tough opponent to beat normally. I always enjoy riding with Nakasuga-san too, as we are friends as well as teammates. So this is always a special race for me and today we all did our best. We pushed right up until the end, we never gave up chasing and it was a lot of fun. Thanks to my teammates, and to everyone in the team, for all the hard work they put into chasing success here in Suzuka.”

Michael van der Mark (Yamaha Factory Racing Team)- As It Happened

Michael van der Mark

Photo credits: Yamaha Racing

“It’s a bit of a strange end to what was an incredible race today. I think all three of us did the best we could today. We had quite similar pace but, of course, there are also areas in which we can look to improve, which is what we’ll do before returning next year when, hopefully, we can fight for the win once again.”

Wataru Yoshikawa (Team Manager)- As It Happened

Wataru Yoshikawa

Photo credits: Yamaha Racing

“Our rivals came back with stronger potential this year, so I knew it was going to be a tough fight from the beginning, and today it really was. With our machine, the riders helped us out so much in getting it set up just right for the race, so I want to be in a position to return the favour to them next year. I’m so thankful to the fans and to our sponsors for lending us their cheers and support for this year’s Suzuka 8 Hours.”