Tetsuta Nagashima said he was “truly honoured” after being called up to race for Team HRC with Japan Post in his home round of the FIM Endurance World Championship at Suzuka next week.
Nagashima was set for a reserve rider role in the 44th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race form 4-6 August following a spell on the sidelines with a foot injury.
But with Iker Lecuona reassigned to participate in the MotoGP British Grand Prix event on the same date, Nagashima will bid for a second consecutive victory in the Suzuka 8 Hours alongside Takumi Takahashi and Spanish newcomer Xavi Vierge.
I am truly honored to be able to participate in the Suzuka 8 Hours again this year, Nagashima said. I would like to thank Honda and HRC for giving me this opportunity. I’m feeling good about my preparations as the tests went well, but I will keep up my concentration leading up to the race in August.
The [two-day test earlier this month] was my first time since my injury, so I rode to see how well I’ve recovered. I prepared to show that I could ride well here, so I was able to do 2m06.2s at the start of my run. I could have done better if I wanted, but it wasn’t a hot lap, so I could confirm my riding was okay.
The main purpose of the [second day] was to check my physical condition. I was able to do long runs and record the fastest time. I think I was able to do all the things a rider is expected to do. The Suzuka 8 Hours is the only race I have a chance to compete in this year, so I did my best to get selected by the team. I hope to make solid contributions to the team like last year and win the race.
Photo: Honda Racing
