Cocoro Atsumi’s late push for a podium in the 45th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race could prove the difference between title success and failure for Yoshimura SERT Motul.
The Japanese ace, who was promoted from his reserve rider role to the Suzuki-powered squad’s race line-up, was instrumental in Yoshimura SERT Motul beating Ducati Team Kagayama to third place at Suzuka, a result that keeps his employer firmly in the fight for overall EWC glory.
With next month’s Bol d’Or left to run, Yoshimura SERT Motul is six points behind Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team, the 2023 title-winning outfit, in the provisional standings.
It came after Atsumi delivered an exceptional final stint to reclaim third place from Ducati Team Kagayama and keep the rival squad at bay over the closing stages following a succession of rapid lap times.
“I've been the reserve rider for the team since the Bol d'Or in 2023 so I've learnt a lot with them and I was honoured to be able to participate in this very important race and fight for the championship,” Atsumi said. “We finished on the podium and the gap in the championship is very small so we're still in a good position to challenge for the title.”
With Gregg Black and Étienne Masson set to return to the Yoshimura SERT Motul attack for the Bol d’Or – Black was a Suzuka absentee through injury while Masson raced for Team Suzuki CN Challenge in Japan’s EWC counter – Atsumi is expected to revert to his reserve rider role for the France-based finale.
“Dan has been my team-mate since the start of the season, he has an excellent pace and I've learnt a lot from him, as well as from Greg and Étienne,” Atsumi said. “They should both be back for the final round, and I'll be doing my best to help them.”
Yoshimura SERT Motul Team Director Yohei Kato praised Atsumi for his contribution:
“I'm very happy with this result. A podium finish at Suzuka is very special for Yoshimura, especially this year as the brand celebrates its 70th anniversary. It's an incredible feeling to experience it with Suzuki, our valuable sponsors and, of course, our fans. The riders worked really well. Cocoro did an incredible last stint, Albert [Arenas] put in a brilliant performance, and Dan [Linfoot] pushed right to the end to help taking back third place from Ducati. I'd like to thank them very much for this result, even though the very hot weather didn't make things any easier.”
Damien Saulnier, Yoshimura SERT Motul’s Team Manager, said:
“We've lost the lead in the championship, but only by six points. It's not over yet. We're now going to prepare for the final at the Bol d'Or with a single objective in mind; to offer our team and Suzuki another world crown.”
The title-deciding Bol d’Or 24-hour race will be held at Circuit Paul Ricard in southern France from 12-15 September.
