2025 FIM EWC Round 3 — Suzuka 8 Hours | First Test Report (June 18–19)
Two hot days mirroring race conditions. With Ito, Okubo and Watanabe straight from Spa, all three posted consistent times as preparations moved steadily forward.
Team Étoile has completed the pre-event test for the 2025 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) Round 3 – Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race. The team conducted a two-day test with three riders returning from Spa: Motoharu Ito, Akira Okubo, and Kazuki Watanabe, utilizing two machines.
The machines run at Suzuka this time were not those used at Le Mans or Spa, but BMW M1000RR motorcycles prepared domestically in Japan. The team tested their setup and the characteristics of Dunlop tires supplied for the Suzuka 8 Hours. With temperatures exceeding 30°C mirroring race conditions, and slightly different specifications between the two machines, the test provided extensive data collection opportunities.
The test proceeded without any technical issues, recording a best lap time of 2:08.249 to lead the SST class. All three riders achieved average lap times in the 2:11 range, surpassing last year's race pace, establishing preparations capable of challenging for victory in the main event.
For the race week test one month later, the team plans to further refine setup and continue attacks with qualifying tires. Additionally, since race week fuel was unavailable during this test, fuel consumption measurements using race fuel are also planned.
The next scheduled running is in late July, serving as the final test immediately before race week when Suzuka temperatures will be even higher.
Rider & team principal comments
Rider
Hikari Okubo
"We were able to develop the setup in a positive direction through discussions among the three of us. With all three riders achieving high-level average times, this will serve as an excellent weapon for the race. While we haven't yet extracted maximum performance in qualifying simulation, if we can put together a complete lap, I believe we can secure a good position in qualifying. This was an extremely positive test."
"Having experienced the Suzuka 8 Hours with this team last year, I hope to provide backup support so my two teammates can ride comfortably. The pace around us has increased compared to last year, and I expect it will be a high-level race, so I want to focus on riding stably and calmly."
Rider
Kazuki Watanabe
"First, I'm relieved that we completed this test successfully, and as Ichikawa-san mentioned, it became an excellent test. The previous round at Spa turned into a crash-heavy race week, so I feel relieved this time. With no troubles and good pace, we were able to conduct exactly the test we had envisioned, which was very satisfying."
"This was my first time running Dunlop tires with the BMW machine at Suzuka Circuit in a one-make format, so I was pleased that conditions became properly hot. I thought adaptation would be necessary, so it's great that this wasn't carried over to race week, making it a very good two days."
"For Team Étoile, the Suzuka 8 Hours is a race where the team achieved a second-place podium last year, although I personally wasn't participating. Having resolved the issues identified after Le Mans and Spa to reach this point, we're naturally aiming for victory and want to prepare to navigate race week without mistakes."
Rider
Motoharu Ito
"Running Suzuka Circuit with a BMW motorcycle for the first time, I was able to start riding without preconceptions, with a similar mindset to the beginning of the Spa 8 Hours. I could consistently improve lap times as expected and quickly focus on establishing average lap times, which was positive. I achieved best times in the 2:09 range, with all three of us running average times in the 2:11 bracket."
"While I felt differences in the setup between the two bikes, seeing challenges for race week made this an excellent two-day test in my opinion. There may be additional running opportunities before the Suzuka 8 Hours, which I want to utilize for the main event."
Team Principal
Takashi Ichikawa
"This test exceeded our expectations in terms of results. All three riders recording average lap times in the 2:11 range and achieving SST class leadership with our best time demonstrates the team's growth. While we secured a second-place podium at last year's Suzuka 8 Hours, this year we're setting even higher goals. Delivering stable performance despite race-like heat gives us genuine confidence for victory. During race week, we'll utilize the valuable data gained from this test and approach with complete preparation."
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