Kevin Manfredi has been given special permission to switch from Wójcik Racing Team, for whom he usually rides in the FIM Endurance World Championship, to join Nobby Ueda’s Team Frontier for his debut in the Suzuka 8 Hours, which takes place for the 45th time from 19-21 July. 

And Manfredi, 29, is determined to make the most of the opportunity to compete in the iconic Japanese event alongside Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, from Malaysia, and Luxembourg’s Chris Leesch, one of Manfredi’s EWC Superstock category rivals in the Europe-based events. This is what the Italian rider has had to say.

You’re preparing to make your debut in the Suzuka 8 Hours. How excited are you by this prospect?
“I’m very excited because it’s my first race in Suzuka and it’s a dream. For every rider it’s a dream to go to Suzuka and for me it’s the same. It’s amazing because I ride for the team of Nobby Ueda, the famous rider from the 125cc World Championship, so it’s really incredible to have this opportunity. Maybe it’s the most important race for the fans, it’s the same as the Olympics. It’s not easy for the riders but for the fans it’s an amazing experience. The Japanese fans are very passionate about all teams and all riders, this is very important for us.”

But it’s such a hard race with the heat and humidity, is that not a concern for you?
“I know the race will be very difficult because the track is not easy, the circuit is very different to the European track layouts. And I know the weather conditions will also be different because it’s more hot and more humid. But during the test I had the possibility to try the circuit and its limits and I like the circuit, it’s not a difficulty for me at the moment.”

As well as racing for a different team, you are also racing a different kind of bike, switching from Honda to BMW power. How is that working out so far?
“It’s my first time on the BMW but my team-mate Azlan Shah has more experience on this bike and helped me during the test and I am sure he and the team will help me during the race to try to get the best feeling with the bike. But I like the chassis and I like the engine.”

In terms of a result, what would make you happy?
“Our target for the race is to be close to the top 15. For sure the 8 Hours of Suzuka is very hard with more official teams from the brands and more teams from Japan. This race is not easy but if we can get close to the top 15 then it’s a good result for us.”

Gino Rea, one of your fellow Wójcik Racing Team riders on the European EWC events, is returning to Suzuka for the first time since his accident in 2022. How good is that?
“I’m very happy for Gino to be back at the track. For every rider it is important when you crash you get well soon. Doing this race is very important for Gino, it’s the mentality of a warrior.”

The 45th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race takes place from 19-21 July. Click HERE for more event information including details of how to buy tickets.