Andrea Locatelli (Yamaha) raves about Suzuka: “It’s like a Formula 1 podium!”

With Andrea Locatelli, Jack Miller and Suzuka legend Katsuyuki Nakasuga, Yamaha is once again fielding a top-class works team for the 2026 Suzuka 8 Hours. Whilst this will be Nakasuga’s final appearance at his home classic, Locatelli returns to Japan with fond memories following his successful debut last year.

The World Superbike rider was one of the pleasant surprises in the Yamaha line-up in 2025 and impressed with a flawless performance. The Italian looks back on his first appearance with corresponding satisfaction.

“I think I was able to show my potential there. I was quick and didn’t make any mistakes. That’s why I believe I did my job really well,” said Locatelli in an interview with SPEEDWEEK.com.

Locatelli’s memories of 2025

However, the emotions surrounding the podium ceremony were at least as impressive as the race itself. “It was an incredible experience for many reasons. You share the motorbike with other riders, experience the podium together and are presented with the Suzuka trophy. For Yamaha, this race is something very special.”

Above all, the atmosphere after the race left a lasting impression on the Italian. “The special livery was fantastic. Seeing all the lights from the various manufacturers and the fans from the podium, plus the fireworks in the background – it was just like a Formula 1 podium.”

The compromises Locatelli has to make

From a sporting perspective, however, the endurance race presented him with entirely new challenges. Unlike in the Superbike World Championship, the bike is used by three riders at Suzuka. Consequently, everyone involved has to make compromises when it comes to ergonomics and set-up. “For me, the ergonomics were the biggest problem,” explained Locatelli. “The distance to the handlebars was shorter than usual and the fairing wasn’t really comfortable in the slipstream.”

Added to this is the fact that the endurance machine differs significantly from the Yamaha that Locatelli is familiar with from the Superbike World Championship. “The fuel tank, the riding position and even the tyres are completely different. These are conditions we don’t normally encounter in the Superbike World Championship.”

All in all, the Endurance R1 was hardly comparable to his Superbike for the Italian. “For me, it was like riding a completely different motorbike. Nevertheless, it was fun and it was a really good motorbike for Suzuka.”

With the experience gained from his debut, Locatelli should find things much easier this year. Together with MotoGP rider Jack Miller and Katsuyuki Nakasuga, who is making his farewell appearance at the Suzuka 8 Hours, Yamaha is once again among the main challengers to defending champions Honda.