Britain’s Bradley Smith will make his Suzuka Eight-Hours debut with Monster Yamaha MotoGP team-mate Pol Espargaro this year as they join factory test rider Kats Nakasuga in the works squad.

But that leaves Milwaukee Yamaha rider Josh Brookes without a competitive seat in the race where he has been a podium man and rode alongside BSB team-mate Broc Parkes in the factory YSP team last year.

Smith will ride a factory machine based on the new YZF-R1 that has been specially developed for competition in the race, as they set out to claim Yamaha’s first victory in this event in 19 years and its fifth in the race’s history.

“Firstly, I want to give Yamaha a massive thank you for considering me to be part of their Suzuka Eight-Hours team, which is a legendary event. I’m looking forward to trying a new form of motorcycle racing and even more so along with my MotoGP teammate Pol and Katsuyuki Nakasuga, who has a strong record at this special race,” said Smith.

“I think it will be an unforgettable event and it will add another chapter to my life with Yamaha. I’m also very excited to try the new Yamaha YZF-R1, which I have heard a lot about and it will be really great to finally get the opportunity to ride it. Of course, I will take this event very seriously as we are going to be part of the official Factory Team effort, so I will head to Japan with the full intention of getting a high scoring result for Yamaha.”