On 26th July 2016, the YAMAHA Team and Team Coaches attending SUZUKA 8 hours held a press conference at ”nicofarre” located in Roppongi, Tokyo.
The conference was webcasted on ”niconico” at real time.

”YAMAHA FACTORY RACING TEAM” Won the Top of the Podium Last Year

Last year YAMAHA challenged the SUZUKA 8 hour with all-new YZF-R1. The machine had full model change and it was the first time in 13 years for the team to battle with a factory team. The team made it to the top of the podium for the first time in 19 years. Not only did they win the overall victory but also won the Super Stock Class where YZF-R1 came top and succeeded in dominating two classes.

This year they will be challenging SUZUKA 8 hours with the YZF-R1 they have pursued to enhance to be the ”Fastest Challenger”.
YAMAHA FACTORY RACING TEAM and YART Yamaha Official WEC Team will be the two teams participating from YAMAHA Motors. At the conference, Team racers were introduced. They will be all competing with the ”YZF-R1”, a factory machine that has been renovated to achieve endurance specifications.

Glaring Presentation Using Full Scale Monitor

”nicofarre” where the press conference was held is an event space owned by DWANGO Co.,Ltd. The facility is equipped with facilities to webcast ”niconico”.
There is a full scale LED monitor in the studio that was used to screen promotion videos of the racers before they appeared on stage. The video issued tremendous impact throughout the main venue where the event was being held.

*Overwhelmed by the machine approaching from the screen.

*YZF-R1, the battle machine.

* ”Fastest Challenger”, the slogan of this year.

After A Year of Preparation, YAMAHA is Aiming for the ”Fastest Challenger” Without Hesitation

When the film ended, the SUZUKA 8 hour battle machine YZF-R1 appeared.
Toshiya Kawano, General Manager of Motor Sports Strategy Division, Yamaha Motor Co., LTD made a speech.
‘He expressed YAMAHA’s intentions with words as ”This year YAMAHA will be aiming to win with a two team formation with ”Fastest Challenger” as our slogan. We won’t be conceiting last years victory. ”

*Toshiya Kawano, General Manager of Motor Sports Strategy Division, Yamaha Motor Co., LTD

His speech was followed by Koichi Tsuji, General Manager of Motor Sports Development Division, Yamaha Motor Co., LTD. Tsuji looked back at the efforts that were made during the year.
”Straight after we won the race last year, we held a evaluation meeting. At that meeting we found more than 150 subjects seeking improvement. And we took a year to improve them. Also at last years race, we were anxious about fuel. Thankfully we got through the race with the help from safety cars and racers made efforts not to let the situation come up in the open. This year we have reduced engine loss and have improved 10% fuel economy. These results were obtained by continuous engine tests that were conducted throughout the year.” He informed the press how they have been making effort to improve the Team for the 2016 race with no time to submerge last years victory.

*Koichi Tsuji, General Manager of Motor Sports Development Division

Competing this Year with a ”Factory Team”

Last year’s champion team, the ”YAMAHA FACTORY RACING TEAM” will be competing with three racers. Katsuyuki Nakasuga competing in the All Japan JSB1000, Pol Espargaró competing in MotoGP that made a fascinating record of 2 minutes 6 seconds flat at the qualifying round last year and Alex Lowes who takes over Bradley Smith from last year. Lowes is also an English racer who participates in the Superbike World Championships.

*Katsuyuki Nakasuga

*Pol Espargaró

*Alex Lowes

Nakasuga has already made top records at official test rides and will be leading the team. He said that ” This year will be a new challenge. I’ll do my best to enjoy the view from the podium.”

Pol Espargaró said, ”It’s my last year to participate in the MotoGP from YAMAHA. I’d like to convey my gratitude to YAMAHA by winning the SUZUKA 8 Hours. ” Espargaró has a contract to participate in the MotoGP with KTM next year and this will be his last season with the YAMAHA Team. He promised to win the SUZUKA 8 Hours.

Alex Lowes is a newcomer to the team. He said that ”YZF-R1 at WSBK and YZF-R1 at SUZUKA 8 Hours differ variously but I can enjoy the difference with no trouble at all. That’s because YZF-R1 is a machine that gives the rider confidence.” He expressed the confidence he has towards the YZF-R1 having experience with the machine at the Super Bike World Championship.

There are high hopes not only for the champion but records that will be made concerning time and laps.

”YART” The World’s Endurance Team Aims for the Best

Kouta Nozane and Takuya Fujita will be participating from YAMALUBE RACING TEAM that raises Japanese young racers for YART Yamaha Official EWC Team. Broc Parkes a regular racer of the team has participated in SUZUKA 8 Hours and MotoGP and is a racer with rich experience. The two young racers will be absorbing techniques from experienced racers and aim for the top.

The final race is scheduled to be held on the 31st July this weekend. The 39th ”Coca-Cola Zero” Suzuka 8 hours FIM Endurance World Championship.
What kind of drama will we see? Who will win victory?

See YAMAHA Moto Index Page
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