The team Suzuki Carbon Neutral Challenge participated with a GSX-R1000Rwhich we already told you about, and equipped with a large number of ecological parts and technologies. The Suzuki rose to eighth place in the 45th edition of the prestigious Japanese race. After eight hours of competition against factory superbikes from the leading manufacturers, the team finished just four laps behind the race winners.
Under the direction of the experienced former MotoGP boss, Shinichi Saharawho led to Suzuki to championship victory in 2020, and with the leadership of Etienne Massonwinner of the World Endurance Championship, together with Sodo Hamahara and Hideyuki Ikugatathe GSX-R1000R used 40% sustainable bio-based fuel supplied by Elf. In addition, its four-cylinder engine was lubricated with petroleum oil. Motulmade from biological bases.
This is the Suzuki Carbon Neutral Challenge GSX-R1000R
Thanks to the historic collaboration of Suzuki with Yoshimuraemissions were reduced by an exhaust system that included a catalytic converter. The ecological actions were not limited to fuel use. The GSX-R1000R It also featured low-dust brake pads made by Sunstar Engineeringtires Bridgestone made with a higher proportion of recycled materials, as well as the front and rear mudguards made of natural flax fiber Bcompand the body of JHIwhich incorporated recycled carbon.
At the end of the race, the team director, Sahara Sansaid: «At the start of last week, it seemed incredible to me that we were able to make it to the final without any problems, despite the short preparation time. From that point on, both the team and the drivers worked seamlessly, making it to the final day without any problems. Not only did we meet our goal of finishing the race, but we also managed to get eighth place, which gives me a real sense of achievement. Although the project is not over and there is still work to be done to collect data and evaluate sustainable materials, I want to congratulate the drivers today for their dedication and the team for giving 100%. This success is the result of everyone’s dedication, including the fans who supported this initiative and the partner companies.«.
Before the event, Toshihiro Suzukipresident of Suzuki Motor Corporation, He stressed: “We have been reallocating resources to promote the development of sustainable technologies. The World Endurance Championship is an extreme challenge for machines, riders and teams, who must compete for long hours. By developing sustainable fuels and other eco-friendly components alongside Yoshimura Japan and other partners in such a demanding environment, we believe that we will not only improve Suzuki’s environmental performance technologies, but also contribute to staff development and motivation, which will result in even better products in the future.«.
Tsuyoshi Tanakaexecutive general manager of motorcycle operations, stated his belief in the future of internal combustion engines: «I believe this initiative is vital to achieving carbon neutrality, especially for mid- and high-capacity motorcycles, where combustion engines will still be necessary. Endurance racing, which requires performance and durability, is the ideal setting for testing and developing both fuels and other sustainable products, revitalizing the future of the motorcycle industry. This will not be a one-off action; we will continue to work towards more ambitious goals in the coming years.«.
The team Yoshimura SERT, which officially represents Suzuki in the 2024 World Endurance Championship, with the GSX-R1000Rhas won 14 EWC titles and is looking to claim his fifteenth at the final round of the season, the Bol d’Or, which will be held at the Paul Ricard circuit from 12 to 15 September.
