Valentin Suchet, the Swiss driver, stands on the podium of the eight hours of Spa in the Superstock category

The weekend of the 8 Hours of Spa, held in June 2025, showcased the endurance car race that left a mark with exceptional performances. Valentin Suchet, a Swiss rider on the National Motos Honda team, distinguished himself by reaching the podium in the Superstock category. This edition was highly anticipated, especially after the victory of the French team at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the same category, promising an exciting endurance championship for the upcoming season. The 8 Hours of Spa not only allowed for fierce battles on the track but also served as the backdrop for dramatic moments that punctuated the competition. The SERT, one of the biggest competitors globally, dominated the qualifications, but the race revealed surprises and twists, capturing the attention of motorsport fans.

The dynamics of the endurance championship

The World Endurance Championship (EWC) is much more than just a speed competition; it is a true test of endurance that pushes the limits of riders and machines. The 8 Hours of Spa are often regarded as one of the most prestigious races on the calendar, attracting renowned teams from all over Europe. This race, which takes place on the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit, tests not only the skills of the riders but also the reliability of the motorcycles and the strategy of the teams.

Each edition brings its share of challenges. This year, varying weather conditions added a layer of complexity to the race. Indeed, a storm altered track conditions, forcing teams to quickly adapt their strategy. The qualifications were already revealing, with prestigious teams like SERT, YART, and emerging riders like Valentin Suchet facing pressure from the start. Managing every minute of the race was crucial to ensuring a competitive position. Here are some key elements to consider:

• Weather conditions: Rain often transformed the behavior of motorcycles on the track.
• Pit stop strategy: Teams had to be reactive, as each stop could influence their ranking position.
• Crashes and accidents: As shown by Randy Krummenacher's fall during the tests, every rider had to stay vigilant.

Valentin Suchet's journey in the championship

Valentin Suchet, as the sole Swiss representative on the National Motos Honda team, has been able to attract attention with solid performances since the start of the season. His talent was not scientific; he inherited his love for motorcycles from his brother, Sébastien, an experienced rider. This return to the sport, after a recovery period, was synonymous with determination and a desire to prove his worth on the international stage.

Having a Swiss rider like Valentin Suchet in competition also helps to stimulate interest in motorcycling in Switzerland. The community of motorcycle enthusiasts in Switzerland has seen a resurgence of interest in events like the EWC championship, thus fostering a stronger culture of motorsport. The growing notoriety of the Swiss rider also renews hope for the younger generation. In this context, a comparative chart of Valentin's performances against other riders in his category can provide context for his motivations:

Highlights of the 8 Hours of Spa

The 8 Hours of Spa race was rich in twists and memorable moments. The preliminary tests had already set the stage for a fierce competition. The SERT team was able to seize the pole position, but the outcome of the race quickly depended on the real-time performances of the teams. The start saw a fierce battle for leadership, with riders having well-defined strategies to maximize their chances from the first laps.

Among the standout moments of the race were:

1. Krummenacher's accident - A devastating crash during the tests that left his team searching for a temporary replacement.
2. Weather conditions - The rain intensified, influencing not only tire choices but also the race strategy of the teams.
3. An unexpected podium - In the end, the podium was marked by teams often underestimated, revealing an increasingly tight competition in the Superstock category.

The crucial role of team strategy

The key to good performance in endurance races like the 8 Hours of Spa lies not only in the individual skills of the riders but also in the preparation and strategy implemented by the teams. Engineers and team leaders play an indispensable role in planning each race. This includes decisions about motorcycle settings, tire choices, and strategic moments for refueling.

An obvious example of this dynamic is National Motos' decision not to take too many risks during qualifications. This allowed the team to remain in the race without compromising their safety, which paid off when they finished in the top three in Superstock. Here are some strategic points to note:

• Tire choice: Depending on track conditions, tire selection can make the difference between victory and defeat.
• Pit stop timing: Every second counts during refueling; poor management could be fatal.
• Rider management: Alternating riders is crucial to maintaining good times over 8 hours.

The performance of other teams in the Superstock category

While the National Motos Honda team made an impression, other teams also showed notable performances in the Superstock category. The competition is significantly strengthening, and challengers abound. For example, the CHAMPION-MRP-Tecmas team claimed victory within the category, thereby confirming their seriousness in the championship.

The performance of the teams is becoming increasingly tight, illustrating the growing intensity in the endurance championship. The final rankings for the Superstock category at the 8 Hours of Spa provide a good indicator of this competition:

Challenges for upcoming races

The 8 Hours of Spa also set the stage for the upcoming races, notably the 8 Hours of Suzuka, one of the most anticipated events on the calendar. Each rider and each team must now learn from this race to improve and prepare for new battles. Valentin Suchet expressed his desire to continue learning and perfecting himself, and his performances at the 8 Hours of Spa only reinforce his status in the field.

Pressure and excellence continue to be the key words in the world of endurance racing, and Valentin Suchet's rise is a perfect example of a promising career in this demanding sport. The future of the Swiss rider therefore looks bright, with increasingly high performance goals to achieve.

A promising future for Swiss motorcycling

Valentin Suchet embodies the hope of a new era for motorcycling in Switzerland. His podium finish at the 8 Hours of Spa draws attention to this discipline, which sometimes struggles to gain the recognition it deserves. Young riders look up to Valentin's journey with admiration and draw inspiration from it, which could very well pave the way for a new generation of enthusiasts.

The perception of motorcycling as a high-level sport has also been strengthened by events like this. It is noted that, in recent years, motorsport has seen a growing popularity, attracting new investors and sponsors. This dynamic could transform the landscape of motorcycling in Switzerland, giving rise to new teams and other future champions.

Thus, several factors will favor this rise:

• Popular events: Media coverage of endurance races and Swiss champions.
• Resources for young riders: More robust training and support programs for young talents.
• Increased sponsorship: With the visibility of riders like Valentin, sponsors will be more inclined to invest in Swiss motorcyclists.

The road ahead is still fraught with challenges, but Valentin's podium finish is a significant step towards recognition and the rise of motorcycling in Switzerland. Fans rally around him, thus strengthening the unity of the community around this common passion and paving the way for an era where Swiss motorcycling could finally make a name for itself on the international stage. Hope and ambition are stronger than ever, and this passion for speed and endurance only grows more intense.

Source: www.actumoto.ch