Suzuka 8H – Cancellation of the 2020 Suzuka 8H, EWC Motorcycle Endurance World Championship final –

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Cancellation of the 2020 Suzuka 8H, final of the EWC Motorcycle Endurance World Championship

Suzuka 8H - Cancellation of the Suzuka 8H 2020, EWC Motorcycle Endurance World Championship final -

The 43rd edition of the Suzuka 8H, an iconic motorcycle endurance race, is finally canceled due to access restrictions in Japan linked to the coronavirus. The Bol d’Or, the fourth event of the 2019/2020 season scheduled for September 20 at Le Castellet, would therefore become the final of the Endurance World Championship (EWC). Explanations. 

Since the foreign drivers and teams registered for the 8H Suzuka 2020 are not allowed to enter Japan because of the Covid-19, the organizer Mobilityland throws in the towel, in agreement with the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) and the promoter of the EWC championship, Eurosport Events.

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The famous Japanese race is however a real institution in motorcycle endurance since it is the national meeting place of Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha who invest each year considerable sums and technologies to make shine there CBR-1000RR, ZX- Incredibly pushing 10R, GSX-R and YFF-R1! A question of honor that takes on its full meaning in Japan…

Unfortunately, first postponed from August to November because of the coronavirus, the 43rd edition goes down the drain – for the first time since its creation in 1978 – for lack of being able to accommodate all the protagonists of the world championship: "in their absence, the grand final would be a domestic race. Mobilityland has therefore decided to cancel the 2020 edition ", explains the organizer.

Suzuka 8H - Cancellation of the 2020 Suzuka 8H, EWC Motorcycle Endurance World Championship final -

"The Covid-19 pandemic remains a source of concern in Japan and the government has decided not to lift its ban on entry to international arrivals, even for business travelers," explains the FIM, which had already moved five month the Japanese ordeal in reaction to the health crisis.

"The cancellation of the iconic Suzuka 8 Hours race is really very sad news, but we must accept the decision of the Japanese government which takes into account the safety measures for the health of the population", resigned the president of FIM Jorge Viegas.

No Suzuka without all the endurance pilots

"We apologize and regret to all the fans who were looking forward to attending the Suzuka 8 Hours, which had been postponed from the date originally scheduled in July to November", assures for his part the president of Mobilityland Corporatio, Kaoru Tanaka. "We also express our sincere regrets to all the other stakeholders involved in this race and ask everyone for their understanding and cooperation for the future.".

Suzuka 8H - Cancellation of the Suzuka 8H 2020, EWC Motorcycle Endurance World Championship final -

"The cancellation of the Coca-Cola Suzuka 2020 8 Hours is not a question of spectator access: the decision was taken not to organize this emblematic race as a national event", specifies the head of Eurosport Events , François Ribeiro. "The Suzuka 8 Hours, the most prestigious endurance race in the world for 40 years, will not be run without the best international riders".

Jonathan Rea, Kawasaki Racing Team rider

“I’m really sick of it that I wasn’t going back to racing at Suzuka for Kawasaki. After last year’s win – it was amazing, after all the emotions we had during the race! – I was really excited about the outlook for this year, especially the idea of ​​teaming up with Alex Lowes and Xavi Fores. They are two good drivers and I thought we could really do a good job. We will not have the opportunity to defend our title , but everyone’s health and safety is most important during this global crisis. Our ambitions at Suzuka will be on standby until 2021 and I am very sorry for the fans – especially the Japanese spectators who come to see us every day. year. I feel so close to them and they give me so much support that it is this aspect that I will miss the most ".

Alex Lowes, Kawasaki Racing Team rider

“Obviously I’m disappointed that the Suzuka 8 Hours was canceled this year because I was really looking forward to it. I have fond memories of this race but it would have been my first race at Suzuka on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR . I really hope that next year I can participate and not only with the bike but also with Jonathan. I think that would make a great team that I would be really happy to be a part of. But I clearly understand the reasons why the race has been called off and my thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this global pandemic. I just hope everything can get back to normal as soon as possible. It is a fantastic race and it is a shame we do not can’t go this year to showcase the Kawasaki team. Fingers crossed that we can come back next year for this special event! "

The, scheduled for September 19 and 20 at Le Castellet, should therefore be the last stage of the world championship … if the calendar does not change again by then! Next meeting scheduled for – very provisional -: on, scheduled for August 29 and 30, 2020…

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