The 43rd running of the Suzuka 8 Hours motorcycle endurance race has been postponed to November due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Originally scheduled to take place from October 30 to November 1, the event’s postponement comes amid the worsening COVID-19 situation in Japan.
Japan declared a nationwide state of emergency on April 16 after the number of COVID-19 cases began to rise exponentially in the region. While it is due to expire on May 6, it is expected to be extended.
Foreign nationals from 87 countries are also barred from entering the country, and it remains unclear when this will be lifted.
Speaking with Motorsport.com, the boss of EWC promoter Eurosport Events, Francois Ribeiro, commented regarding the event’s postponement:
“The global health crisis, the logistical constraints resulting from Japan’s entry restrictions and our priority to protect the health of everyone involved in the FIM EWC, have made it necessary to postpone the Suzuka 8 Hours.
“Praise is due to [track owner] Mobilityland for adapting the Suzuka calendar to ensure that this major race in the championship remains Japan’s biggest celebration for motorcycling fans.”
Despite the postponement, the race will remain on the FIM Endurance World Championship calendar.