Overview

• Johann Zarco set a new outright lap record of 2m04.290s in Saturday’s Top 10 Trial, edging Andrea Locatelli by 0.026 seconds to secure pole.
• Yamaha’s Andrea Locatelli followed with a 2m04.316s lap despite Jack Miller crashing at the final chicane during his attempt.
• Naomichi Uramoto qualified third with a 2m05.001s lap for BMW’s AutoRace Ube Racing Team, completing a three-manufacturer battle at the front.
• Reigning champions Zarco and six-time event winner Takumi Takahashi will race as a duo after third rider Xavi Vierge withdrew for procedural reasons.
• Sunday’s eight-hour Suzuka 8 Hours will test teams’ endurance and race pace under floodlights at the Suzuka Circuit.