Rea, Lowes and Mahias to lead Kawasaki Suzuka 8 Hours effort

Winners in 2019 (last race held), Kawasaki will make its factory return to the Suzuka 8 hours event later this year with a trio of WorldSBK riders. 

Their line-up consists of six-time Superbike champion Jonathan Rea who was a part of the 2019 winning team, Alex Lowes - previous winner with Yamaha, and former WorldSSP rider Lucas Mahias. 

For Japanese manufacturers, the Suzuka 8 hours race is one of the more prestigious events held throughout the season - a ‘must win’ according to Kawasaki, which is highlighted by the level of riders and competition regularly involved. 

Speaking about returning to Suzuka, Rea said: "I am so excited that I will be part of KRT and Kawasaki factory taking part in the 2021 Suzuka 8 Hour race. 

"I’ve been on the podium four times now at Suzuka, and my fondest memory was winning the race for Kawasaki in 2019. 

"Unfortunately, we couldn’t do the race in 2020 due to the global pandemic going on, but we’ll be back in 2021 and I promise I will be making my best efforts to do the best for Kawasaki and all our fans."

Lowes is the most decorated rider on the current WorldSBK grid at the 8 hours event after claiming victory three times with Yamaha. 

Lowes will be making his debut appearance for Kawasaki and added: "I’m delighted that I’ll be part of the KRT Kawasaki factory racing team for the 2021 Suzuka 8 Hours. 

"Already I’ve been on the winning team three times at Suzuka. It’s a fantastic event and a really great circuit – one of my favourites. 

"Now I’ll have the chance to push for a Kawasaki win on the latest Ninja ZX-10RR. I’m really looking forward to being part of this famous race again. We have a great team, and the Ninja is an amazing machine."

Mahias will complete the line-up after impressing so far during his rookie WorldSBK campaign. 

The Frenchman called racing in Japan ‘very special’ and promised to put his best preparation forward. 

"I’m happy that I will be part of the KRT Kawasaki factory team taking part in the 2021 Suzuka 8 Hour race," added Mahias.  

"Racing in Japan is always very special, and Suzuka 8 Hours is a world-famous race. It is so good to return to Suzuka after the 2020 pandemic. 

"For all the Kawasaki fans, I promise that we will make the best preparations and I will do my best to be part of the winning team at Suzuka."