Suzuka 8 Hours pushed back to November due to restrictions on travel

Health restrictions in Japan have forced the organisers of the EWC to push back the Suzuka 8 Hours motorcycle endurance race

Jonathan Rea (Suzuka 8 Hours)

THE extension of health and safety restrictions in Japan has forced the organisers of the Suzuka 8 Hours motorcycle endurance race to move the date of the event.

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The good news for bike sport fans is, we haven’t lost the event altogether – as has happened with so many other global motorcycle racing events already in 2021. Instead, the organisers of the race have swapped its place in the calendar with the Estoril round.

The Suzuka 8 Hours will now take place on November 7th when it will wrap up the 2021 season, with 150% points awarded for the final race. The 12 Hours of Estoril in Portugal will now be held on Saturday, July 17th.

Speaking of the news, François Ribeiro, Head of Eurosport Events, said:

“We suggested to the organizers of the Suzuka 8 Hours and the 12 Hours of Estoril that they switch their dates for the good of the championship and to make it easier for teams to travel to Japan. In the coming months, it will still be hard to have a clear idea regarding travel management and public attendance at the circuits. The 2021 season will be an excellent one with an opening race at Le Mans and a grand finale at Suzuka to decide the title.”