Honda boss highlights why they're successful at Suzuka but not in WorldSBK
03/06/2025 07:14 AM
Why has Honda been unsuccessful in World Superbikes, yet been successful at the Suzuka 8 Hours?
Honda returned to the Suzuka 8 Hours as a factory team in 2018, and later made a return to World Superbikes in 2020.
The Japanese manufacturer has since won at Suzuka three times, whereas they have not won a race in World Superbikes, let alone challenged for a title.
Despite prioritising their World Superbike project over the Suzuka 8 Hours in 2024, no progress was made. Honda were once again victorious in Japan, but failed to make an impact in the World Superbike paddock.
Honda Racing Corporation has tried to explain the differences between the two projects, and what has held them back in World Superbikes.
"When we returned to Superbikes (SBK) after a gap of more than a decade, tyre technology had evolved during our absence, and we're still in the process of learning various aspects," said Hiroyuki Seki, Large Project Leader for the Suzuki 8 Hours CBR1000RR-R Development.
"In motorsport, regaining competitiveness after a prolonged break is a significant challenge. Our return to the Suzuka 8 Hours in 2018 also posed considerable difficulties. Moreover, the timing of our SBK comeback coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which hindered Japanese staff from traveling freely to Europe, significantly impacting development.
"That said, we are gradually gaining a better grasp of the nuances in SBK, so please look forward to future improvements. For the Suzuki 8 Hours, Honda benefited from the expertise of veteran staff who were active during Honda's peak era at Suzuka. This ensured smooth generational transitions and effective knowledge transfer.
"Additionally, while SBK uses Pirelli tyres, the Suzuka 8 Hours utilises Bridgestone tyres. Honda has extensive experience with Bridgestone, which is another major factor."
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