Zarco Delivers Pole and Lap Record for Honda HRC as South Africa’s Odendaal and team Secure P5 at Suzuka 8 Hours

The iconic Suzuka Circuit in Japan delivered another thrilling day of action as MotoGP star Johann Zarco stormed to pole position for the 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race, setting a sensational new lap record of 2:04.290 in the process.

Taking part in the dramatic Top 10 Trial, a one-lap shootout that decides the front rows of the grid, Zarco was the last rider to hit the track for Honda HRC – and he made it count. With a pinpoint-perfect lap aboard the No. 30 factory Honda, Zarco edged out Yamaha Racing Team’s Andrea Locatelli by just 0.026 seconds, delivering not only pole position but a statement of intent for Sunday’s race.

Earlier in the session, Honda’s Takumi Takahashi, a six-time Suzuka winner, had set the early benchmark with a 2:05.223. But as the second group of riders took to the track, lap times began to drop rapidly. Locatelli, riding for Yamaha, looked to have secured the top spot with a brilliant 2:04.316 – especially after teammate Jack Miller crashed in a dramatic moment at the final chicane. However, Zarco’s last-lap heroics dashed Yamaha’s hopes and secured Honda a dream start for the endurance classic.

Completing the front row of the grid is the AutoRace Ube Racing Team, who impressed on their BMW with a 2:05.001 – just ahead of fellow Honda outfit SDG Team HARC-PRO.

But the headlines don’t stop there.

Flying the flag for South Africa is Steven Odendaal, who will line up fifth on the grid for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. The team put in a strong performance with a best lap of 2:05.508, placing them firmly among the front-runners ahead of tomorrow’s grueling eight-hour test of stamina, strategy, and speed.

Odendaal, a proven name in both World Supersport and endurance racing, continues to represent South African talent on the world stage with resilience and determination.