2023 Suzuka Eight-Hours date changed to avoid WorldSBK clash

Next year’s Suzuka Eight-Hours will take place one week later than originally planned in 2023 so it doesn’t clash with WorldSBK at Most.

EWC promoter Discovery Sports Events has worked with its partners at Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and event promoter Moblityland in Japan to finalise the new date of 4-6 August 2023.

A long-term fixture on the EWC calendar and one of motorcycle racing’s most famous and demanding events, the 2023 Suzuka 8 Hours was initially scheduled for 28-30 July.

But the new date provides the opportunity for riders from the FIM Superbike World Championship to go up against the EWC regulars and leading Japanese racers, which has become a tradition over the years.

“Suzuka is not only a big test of rider, team and machine, it’s also a celebration of Japan’s vastly successful motorcycle industry,” said François Ribeiro, Head of Discovery Sports Events.

“Therefore, it’s vital that the top riders, teams and manufacturers are able to be present for this famous event at a truly iconic venue. We thank our friends at FIM and Mobilityland for their collective efforts to finalise the new date of 4-6 August 2023.”

Updated FIM Endurance World Championship 2023 calendar

Round 1: 24 Heures Motos (Circuit Bugatti, Le Mans, France) 13-16 April 2023 Round 2: 24H SPA EWC Motos (Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium) 16-18 June 2023 Round 3: Suzuka Eight-Hours (Suzuka Circuit, Japan) 4-6 August 2023 Round 4: Bol d’Or 24 hours (Circuit Paul Ricard, France) 14-17 September 2023