The legendary Suzuka circuit welcomed 55 teams for the 46th edition of the Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours. Among them, the Kawasaki Webike Trickstar team presented itself as a serious contender for the world title with its provisional second place in the overall standings.
Facing high temperatures and extreme humidity, the Franco-Japanese team was counting on this third round of the FIM EWC championship to confirm its position at the forefront of competition. Beyond its demanding climatic conditions, the Suzuka circuit is one of the biggest challenges on the calendar with its technical figure of eight track, which is 5.821 km long.
Extreme heat was therefore present at the start of the Japanese race. The handlebars of the #11 Kawasaki, positioned thirteenth on the starting grid, were entrusted to Frenchman Mike di Meglio, who gained two positions in the first lap.
The race strategy, based on controlled fuel consumption, paid off, and the Kawasaki Webike Trickstar bike gained time lap after lap by consistently being among the last machines to refuel. Spaniard Roman Ramos Alvaro and Frenchman Grégory Leblanc joined Mike di Meglio, maintaining a steady and consistent pace. The team managed by Ryuji Tsuruta broke into the top 10 after 2.5 hours of racing and continues to catch up with its rivals, despite a penalty for overtaking under a yellow flag at the halfway point.
Despite a disrupted end to the race due to two safety cars being deployed, the #11 Kawasaki crossed the finishing line of the 2025 Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours in eighth place thanks to the combined efforts of the three riders and the technical team. The Kawasaki Webike Trickstar team thus brings home thirteen additional points from Japan and remains on the provisional championship podium with a total of 83 points, only five points behind the leader. Ryuji Tsuruta's team is now focusing on the Bol d'Or, the final round of the 2025 FIM EWC season.
Ryuji Tsuruta - Team manager
“We successfully finished the extremely hot Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race in eighth place. Although the result is not entirely satisfactory, it was good to reach the finish line without any problems in the harsh conditions of temperatures approaching 40°C. This was made possible thanks to the generous support of Kawasaki, all our sponsors, and the fans who cheered us on. The performance of Bridgestone tyres was outstanding once again, helping us achieve our best possible results. We are deeply grateful. We were also able to narrow the gap to the top in the championship standings to just five points, so the team will further strengthen its unity and continue to fight for the championship heading into the next Bol d'Or. Once again, we would like to express our gratitude to everyone who has been involved with our team.”
Mike di Meglio - rider
“Of course, as a rider, you dream of getting on the podium. I've done it once before, and I would have liked to do it again. But we don't yet have the package to fight for the podium at Suzuka. Right now, what's important is the championship. We scored big points and we're back in a good position in the championship for the final round. We did a great job with my teammates and the whole team. So thank you to them, thank you to Bridgestone, thank you to Kawasaki. I can't wait for the Bol d'Or, and until the chequered flag comes down, you never know what might happen!”