The Yamaha Factory Racing entry that includes MotoGP team-mates Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro set the pace during Thursday practice for the Suzuka 8 Hours. The Tech 3 riders have been called up to join Japanese champion and MotoGP podium finisher Katsuyuki Nakasuga for Yamaha's first factory Suzuka assault since 2002. The trio, racing with the #21, got off to an excellent start by topping the Group A practice sessions and setting the best overall time of the day with a 2m 7.282s. That kept them a massive 0.972s clear of nearest Group A rivals #104 TOHO Racing with Moriwaki, which includes former Moto2 champion Toni Elias and present Moto2 racer Ratthapark Wilairot Third quickest in Group...
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