Swan Yamaha's Tommy Hill and Noriyuki Haga will line up for the Monster Energy Yamaha YART in the prestigious 8 Hour race at Suzuka in July.

The 35th event is a test of riders and machines alike and the MCE BSB contenders will team up with Katsuyuki Nakasuga, who currently competes in the JSB1000 class of the All Japan Road Race Championships. Haga has previously competed in the event, winning in 1996 with MotoGP rider Colin Edwards, whilst MCE BSB champion Hill will make his debut at the gruelling race.

Hill said: ""To race at Suzuka for Yamaha is great news for me! It is to represent the Yamaha racing brand as well as competing in the British Superbike Championship. This will be my first time competing at the Suzuka Circuit, but I am very much looking forward to racing there and hopefully push for success for Yamaha and myself."

Haga said: "Machine trouble took us out of the race and let down many fans at my last Suzuka 8 Hours in 2006. This time, we're here to make up for that performance and looking at our rider lineup, I think we have a good chance to aim for the top and show the fans our determination."

Team Manager Monster Energy Yamaha YART Mandy Kainz concluded: "I'm very proud and happy for YART to bring together the best of the best YZF-R1 riders as a 'dream team' for the Suzuka 8 Hours race. Our expectations are quite high, but the most important thing for YART was to bring the Yamaha family closer together. To have Katsuyuki, Nori and Tommy on one bike will make the whole historical Suzuka race more exciting. I can't wait for the race to start."