Two-time MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia has provided an update on a potential Suzuka 8 Hours entry in the future.
The Suzuka 8 Hours is the most prestigious motorbike endurance race in the world, where various former MotoGP riders previously participated, most notably Bagnaia’s mentor Valentino Rossi.
Johann Zarco contributed to Honda’s victory earlier this year, with the Frenchman winning on debut with Takumi Takahashi and Teppei Nagoe.
The 2025 MotoGP and EWC calendars don’t overlap on the weekend at Suzuka, meaning a potential entry isn’t fully out of the question.
The Italian rider says that potentially participating in the future is a “dream”, but it is likely out of the question for a 2025 outing due to MotoGP’s intense schedule.
“I thought about it, and maybe a race will be removed or postponed and I can’t go, but I don’t think they [Ducati] want me to go,” said Francesco Bagnaia on Friday at last weekend’s Indonesian Grand Prix.
“It’s already a very tough season, 22 races — 44 races [in MotoGP] — but I would like [to go to Suzuka]. It’s one of my biggest dreams, I always dreamed about going to Suzuka and race there in the 8 Hours.”
“Maybe I will have to wait until I’m retired,” he said. “I hope not, because I want to do it before, when I’m at my maximum, but let’s see.
“I will ask for it but it’s difficult right now. Next year, surely, will be difficult.”
Ducati confirmed its interest in the race
Despite a 2025 entry for Bagnaia looks unlikely, Ducati previously confirmed its intention to participate in the future.
Ducati’s lead figure for off-road and regional superbike activities, Paolo Ciabetti, shared with Motorsport Japan that Ducati want to increase its involvement.
In the 2024 event, the Kagayama squad entered with a Ducati Panigale V4 R with riders Ryo Mizuno, Joshua Waters and Hafizh Syahrin.
Ducati provided support but is now looking at the next step of having its team, with plans in place to provide MotoGP riders with an opportunity to race.
“We are working with Yukio [Kagayama]’s team to gain experience in the 8 Hours and to build a relationship with Bridgestone again,” he said.
“Their support is very important for the 8 Hours. Our future plan is to bring in factory bikes and MotoGP riders from Bologna to compete with Yukio’s team.
“The logistics from Italy are difficult, so even if we have the same team as now, we will take advantage of the logistics that Yukio and his team have and make it even bigger.”
“The Suzuka 8 Hours is a special race.”
Since its inception in 1978, no manufacturer outside Japan has won the Suzuka 8 Hours, with Ducati aiming to become the first.
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