Endurance: Hayden to ride Suzuka Eight Hour

Nicky Hayden will compete in the legendary Suzuka Eight Hour race this year with the factory-backed MuSASHi RT HARC-Pro team.

Hayden will join Honda World Superbike team-mate Michael van der Mark, who took two consecutive victories in 2013/14 before being beaten by the Yamaha squad featuring Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro last year. Suzuka specialist Takumi Takahashi completes the team.

“For me it is a great honour to go and compete in a race such as Suzuka 8 hours with long history and very different type of race with running start,” said Nicky Hayden. “Pit stops and working with teammates to find the right setup for all us!”

“With the long summer break we have, I am happy to have a chance to stay on the bike and stay sharp. Will be a long tough challenge with many good teams but would be great to win and add the trophy to my collection.”

Honda World Supersport rider PJ Jacobsen will also compete, joining the FCC TSR squad.