The FIM Endurance World Championship announced on Wednesday that its flagship event for 2020 has been canceled due to ongoing travel restrictions in Japan preventing residents from more than 140 countries from entering the island country.
The Japanese long-haul classic had already been postponed from its original date in late July to November 1 as organizers waited for the government to lift restrictions imposed after the coronavirus outbreak.
This marks the first time the Suzuka 8 Hours has been canceled in the history of racing, which dates back to 1978, and follows the news of the cancellation of other major international races in Japan, including the Formula 1 Grand Japanese Prix in Suzuka and the MotoGP race at Motegi.
Rea won last year’s Suzuka 8-hour title under controversial circumstances with teammates Leon Haslam and Toprak Razgatlioglu, ending Kawasaki’s victorious drought that dates back to 1993.
The 33-year-old was slated to return to the event this year as part of a revamped Kawasaki line-up with current WSBK teammate Alex Lowes and Xavi Fores, but will now have to wait another year to expand his 2019 crown.
“Of course, I am absolutely discouraged not to return to Suzuka to drive for Kawasaki,” said Rea. “After winning last year – it was amazing with all the emotions we experienced during the race – I was really excited about the prospects this year, especially the potential of working with Alex Lowes and Xavi Fores.
“They are two strong drivers and I thought we could do a really good job. We won’t have the chance to defend our title from last year, but the health and safety of everyone is the most important thing in this global crisis.
“Our Suzuka ambitions will be put on hold until 2021 and I’m really sorry for the fans – especially the Japanese viewers who come to us every year.”
Lowes won the Suzuka 8 Hours for Yamaha for three consecutive years between 2016 and 18 and would race the event with Kawasaki for the first time in 2020 after switching manufacturers over the winter.
Lowes said he looks forward to working with six-time WSBK champion Rea in the eight-hour game.
“Of course I am initially disappointed that the Suzuka 8 Hours was canceled for this year, which I was really looking forward to.
“I have fond memories and good experiences of this race, but this would have been my first Suzuka ride on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR.
“I very much hope that I can compete in this race next year, not only with the bike, but also with Jonathan. I think it would be a great team that I would be very happy to be a part of. ”
Kawasaki team manager Guim Roda added, “KHI [Kawasaki Heavy Industries] had great expectations for the Suzuka 8 Hours 2020 in order to offer the fans an extraordinary show again.
“With the responsibility of defending the victory we achieved last year, we planned an incredible project with Rea and Lowes and, with the support of Xavi Fores, attacked the 8 hours as hard as possible.
“We at KRT are ready to comply with KHI’s request to defend the title in the future if necessary.”