Image: Brian Dyer.

Australian Superbike regular Josh Hook will lead the official Honda Team Asia effort at this weekend’s Suzuka 8 Hours, his team relying on his experience from one year ago at the iconic Japanese race.

Honda Team Asia manager, well-known MotoGP race winner Makoto Tamada, welcomes the light experience of Hook alongside Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) regulars, Indonesian rider Dimas Ekky Pratama and Zamri Baba from Malaysia.

“Josh Hook is experienced in the Suzuka 8 Hours and is accustomed to Honda CBR1000RR, but as the other riders aren’t, we prepared by giving them as much time on the machines as possible,” Tamada explained.

“It was a short period, but their passion and enthusiasm has brought a lot of confidence to the team. The Suzuka 8 Hours race is not easy, but we’ll be aiming to finish in the top 10. It’s my first time as team manager, but it’s already very satisfying. We’ll take care of our riders’ feelings, and do our best.”

Hook has enjoyed the experience to date working with Tamada and his teammates; the team’s factory links to Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) an important development in Hook’s blossoming career.

“I’m glad to be invited by Honda Team Asia,” Hook said. “The team is solid, the machine feels good, and the tests went well. I’m the only team rider with Suzuka 8 Hours race experience, so I’ll be doing everything I can to help.”

Baba is highly credentialed in the Asian-based ARRC series and currently leads the 2014 standings, while Pratama boasts victory in last year’s Suzuka 4 Hours.