Source: Supplied.

Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT) has announced youthful All Japan Superbike regular Sodo Hamahara will join the three-man squad for the Suzuka 8 Hours next week in Japan, which will mark the final round of the 2016/2017 FIM Endurance World Championship.

The 22-year-old has raced alongside Suzuki MotoGP test rider Takuya Tsuda in the Yoshimura Suzuki Superbike team, plus he also contested the 2016 Suzuka 8 Hours.

In place of experienced Australian Alex Cudlin, the Japanese rider will be supported alongside SERT regulars Vincent Philippe and Etienne Masson, who will pilot the GSX-R1000 for the 40th anniversary race at the end of the month.

The team currently holds a narrow one-point lead in the series as they chase a 16th Endurance World Championship and with Hamahara’s expertise and experience around the spectacular Suzuka venue, they believe he will compliment the line-up.