P1racenews AI automatic summary:
It’s advantage Honda halfway through the Suzuka 8 Hours, with Yamaha holding second place on its factory return.
At the halfway point of the Suzuka 8 Hours, the factory Honda team, led by Johann Zarco and Takumi Takahashi on the CBR 1000 RR-R, holds a commanding lead, showcasing exceptional pace and fuel efficiency.
Despite losing the lead momentarily to Yuki Kunii, Takahashi quickly regained it through strategic racing, allowing the Honda team to build a significant lead unchallenged.
Yamaha emerged as the closest competition, with Andrea Locatelli and Jack Miller securing second place behind the dominant Honda duo.
The No. 73 Harc-Pro Honda team, with Kunii, Abe, and Nagoe, held third place but trailed the factory Honda bike by over a minute.
Honda’s dominance continued with Takuma Kunimine’s Team ATJ bike securing a place in the top five.
The race saw thrilling developments, such as the Ube Racing Team BMW’s comeback to sixth place and the unfortunate retirement of the F.C.C TSR Honda squad due to engine troubles after just 27 laps.
