Winners of the event in 2022, Honda are now fielding a three-rider line-up that includes Lecuona’s WorldSBK๊ teammate Xavi Vierge, Nagashima and Takumi Takahashi. 

Lecuona, who was initially confirmed for the event, will not step in for Rins at Silverstone on the same weeke๊nd as he gets set for his third MotoGP race of the year.

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For Nagashima, the prestigious endurance race comes at the right time after recovering from injury♑.&𝓰nbsp;

The Japanese rider was the star of the show for Honda last 🎀season as he secured pole for the team, while also domina꧑ting large parts of the race. 

Nagashima also made his MotoGP and WorldSBK debuts in 2022, but hꦿas not be a full-time rider in 2023. 

"I am truly honoured to be able to participate in 💎the Suzuka 8 Hours again this year," said Nagashima. 

"I would like to thank Honda and HRC for giving me this opportunityಌ.&nbsꦉp;

"I’m feeling good about my preparations as the tests wen🐻t well, but I will keep up my concentration leading up to th💫e race in August. 

"I am looking forward to contributing to Team HRC's consecutive victories, and I hope all of ou🦩r fans will support us."

Honda’s struggles in WorldSBK did not impact their abil𝓰ity to win last season’s race, and with another strong line-up set to compete, the Japanese brand will be a leading contender to retain their crown.