Marcel Schrötter ahead of Suzuka: “A place in the top 10 would be a success”

The 8 Hours of Suzuka is one of the most prestigious motorbike races in the world. For Marcel Schrötter, this endurance classic will therefore hold special significance in 2026 as well. The former Moto2 World Championship rider will be competing on the legendary Japanese circuit for the fourth time this coming weekend, but this will still mark a first for him: he will be racing with his permanent EWC team, ERC Endurance, for the very first time.

Having been part of a Japanese team in previous years, Schrötter will this time be battling for World Championship points alongside Kenny Foray and Jan-Ole Jähnig on the BMW M1000RR. Following the season’s races at Le Mans and Spa, ERC Endurance sits fifth in the overall standings with 49 points.

How good are the Dunlop tyres this year?

However, the German is expecting what is likely to be the most challenging race weekend of the year. “Being at Suzuka is always something special. For me, it’s already my fourth time, but my first time with a European team, unlike my previous appearances, where I rode for a Japanese team,” explained Schrötter.

The 33-year-old points in particular to the exceptionally competitive field. Unlike at the other EWC rounds, numerous Japanese teams as well as the official works entries from the Japanese manufacturers are competing at Suzuka. Added to this is the fact that many of these teams rely on Bridgestone tyres, giving them an additional advantage on this historic circuit.

“I realise that, for us as a European team, this is likely to be the most difficult weekend of the season in terms of being competitive,” said Schrötter. “Virtually all the Japanese manufacturers are on the grid with their own works teams, as are several other teams competing at a very high level, and on top of that, almost all of them are fitted with Bridgestone tyres.”

ERC Endurance, on the other hand, will be competing on Dunlop tyres from Japan. Whether this will give them an advantage remains to be seen. “I’m curious to see how it will go, as we’re getting tyres from Dunlop Japan this time,” explained the Bavarian.

Less heat forecast, but...

Despite the strong competition, Schrötter is travelling to Japan full of anticipation. The Suzuka 8 Hours is not only part of the World Endurance Championship, but also one of the absolute highlights of the season every year. “The Suzuka 8 Hours is part of the championship I’ve decided to compete in this year. Nevertheless, it will definitely be a highlight of the season to be taking part in this truly unique event again.”

The BMW driver is nevertheless keeping his expectations deliberately realistic. “A place in the top 10 would be a success for us,” emphasised Schrötter. As well as the sporting challenge, the weather could also play an important role. Unlike last year, extremely high temperatures are not currently expected; instead, there is a risk of rain.

“The weather forecasts aren’t predicting temperatures as high as last year, which is a good thing. But it could also get very wet, which hopefully won’t be too bad,” said Schrötter, adding: “Nevertheless, I’m really looking forward to being back in Japan, and above all, of course, to the ‘Suzuka 8 Hours’.”