Honda HRC Qualifies P1, Advances to Top 10
Honda Dominates Suzuka 8 Hours Qualifying, Securing TOP10 Trial spots
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Honda teams showcased extraordinary speed and skill during the Suzuka 8 Hours qualifying sessions, with multiple squads locking in their places for the coveted TOP10 Trial. Honda HRC emerged as the dominant force, consistently setting blistering lap times and signaling their strong intent for the prestigious endurance race.
Red Rider Session: Yamanaka Ignites the Track
The Red Rider session saw a sensational performance from Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing’s Yamanaka, who, in his Suzuka 8 Hours debut, shattered the 2:05 barrier with a remarkable 2:05.910. This electrifying lap propelled him to the top of the leaderboard, capturing important attention. Following closely was Kunii of SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda, who secured third place with a 2:06.411. The presence of riders with international experience like Yamanaka (Moto3) and Kunii (Moto2) at the forefront underscored their pedigree.
Other notable Honda performances in this session included Kunimine of Team ATJ with docomo business in sixth (2:07.301), Ito of Honda DREAM RT Sakurai Honda in 13th (2:08.775),Zaqhwan of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo in 14th (2:08.805),and Hada of F.C.C. TSR Honda France in 16th (2:09.057).
Blue Rider Session: Takahashi Leads the Charge
In the second qualifying session’s Blue Rider time attack, Honda HRC’s Takahashi demonstrated his prowess by improving his time to a formidable 2:05.554, earning him the second spot on the grid. Team ATJ with docomo business’s Iwata clocked in at 2:06.471 for sixth, while Astemo Pro Honda SI racing’s Nozane recorded 2:06.540 for seventh. SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda’s Nagoe posted 2:06.891 for ninth, and F.C.C.TSR Honda France’s Techer rounded out the top Honda efforts in 12th with 2:07.515.
Yellow Rider Session: Zarco Sets the Pace Amidst Drama
The second Yellow Rider session was a dramatic affair, punctuated by red flags. After Yamaha’s Jack Miller suffered a hard crash in Turn 1, the session was halted. Following the restart, another incident brought out a further red flag. Once racing resumed, Honda HRC’s Zarco delivered a stunning performance, setting the fastest time of the session with a blistering 2:04.820. Honda DREAM RT Sakurai Honda’s Hiura followed in fifth with 2:05.951. SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda’s Abe placed ninth (2:06.807), Suzuki of Team ATJ with docomo business was 12th (2:07.317), and Perolari of F.C.C. TSR Honda France finished 15th (2:07.713).
Second Red Rider Session: Kunii and Yamanaka Maintain Strong Form
the second Red Rider session saw Kunii of SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda, despite a crash in the Degner Curve, still managed to secure third place with a 2:06.171. Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing’s Yamanaka followed in fifth with 2:06.283, showcasing his consistent speed. Hada of F.C.C. TSR Honda France posted 2:06.591 for seventh. Other Honda riders included Ito of Honda DREAM RT Sakurai Honda in 10th (2:07.385), Zaqhwan of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo in 13th (2:07.514),and Kunimine of Team ATJ with docomo business in 14th (2:07.642).
Honda Teams Secure TOP10 Trial berths
following two rounds of intense qualifying, Honda HRC comfortably led the standings. Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing secured sixth,