SBK, Ducati shines at Suzuka ahead of Canepa and Yamaha, Honda chases with Zarco

The date is for Saturday, July 20, when the lights go out at 4 a.m. for the start of the 8 Hours of Suzuka, a.k.a. the Queen of Endurance racing.

Last week's tests highlighted the potential of the Ducati V4 of the Kagayama team, protagonist of the best time of 2'05"162. Not a bad calling card therefore the one presented by the trident formed by Waters, Syahrin and Mizuno.

Obviously it is early to claim victory especially if we consider who will be the opponents to beat, namely Honda, ready for anything to show their superiority. This year HRC can, among other things, rely on the support of Johann Zarco, who in testing finished in third position just over a second behind the Rossa of Borgo Panigale.

In fact, the Frenchman's goal was to gain confidence with the CBR and especially with the tires, which is no small thing to deal with. Finally, we certainly cannot forget the strategy related to refueling, which, as we know, plays a crucial role in victory.

Between Ducati and Honda instead slotted in is the Yamaha of a super Nicolò Canepa, who confirmed himself to be one of the front-runners. A good result for the YART riders, only half a second behind the Ducati and out to make amends after last year's disappointing edition.

In short: this is what the tests have told us while waiting to see our protagonists in action again in less than 3 weeks for one of the greatest endurance races of all.

For the occasion we can share with you, our fans, this video of the tests made at the tests by our colleague and friend Shintaro Nakayama.