The fourth round of the Super GT 2020 series was held at Twinring Motegi. Under unstable weather conditions, the race was expected to be tricky for the teams and drivers.
Red Bull MOTUL MUGEN NSX-GT’s Ukyo Sasahara drove for Q1 and once more advanced to Q2 in fifth position, delivering the team with third Q2 appearance out of 4 events in the season.
ARTA NSX-GT’s Nirei Fukuzumi also impressed in qualifying securing third place in Q2.
The race in dry condition became chaotic and eventful. Unfortunately, Nirei Fukuzumi was one of the drivers who failed to see the chequered flag by an unlucky incident.
In the latter stint of the race, Ukyo Sasahara fought through the intense battles and delivered the car to the third-place podium.
The next race will be held again at Fuji for the third time in the season.
Please keep your eye on the drivers supported by EXGEL Morotsport.
Ukyo Sasahara
Red Bull MOTUL MUGEN NSX-GT / TEAM Red Bull MUGEN
The Super GT round 4 took place at Twinring Motegi. We had prepared for the race doing everything we could do, expecting it would be unpredictable due to the change of race schedule and distance.
The car didn’t feel bad in practice, however a misty rain made my Q1 stint difficult for our tire and car. I managed to secure 5th position in Q1, then Muto san completed Q2 with 7th position tackling the damp conditions. Although the conditions were tough for us, we found what we should improve that made us positive.
In the beginning of the race, Muto-san produced a brilliant drive moving up to the 3rd place in the chaotic battles. The team made a perfect pit stop and I concentrated on driving to keep the position. We had never experienced such a long distance with the tire in the latter stint, so I totally understood that tire management was the highest priority.
After controlling the car and tire successfully, the SC period made the gap behind much closer and changed the scenario. Fortunately, I made a good re-start and was able to deliver the team with P3! It was the first podium for TEAM MUGEN, HONDA and YOKOHAMA since the collaboration started 4 years ago.
I have been trying to change something since I newly joined the team, giving it all we have got whatever difficulties we faced, and prepared to seize the chance. Of course, I’m extremely happy with the great step forward, and also feel relived, believing it will definitely boost morale of us. We will keep working hard for the better place.
Words can’t express how much I appreciate the team, my sponsors and fans for allowing me to be here and make it happen.
Thank you for your support, and see you in the next round!
Nirei Fukuzumi
ARTA NSX-GT / ARTA
Super GT round 4 was held at Twinring Motegi as the first race of 2020 season at the circuit.
On Saturday, rainy conditions made free practice and qualifying sessions quite difficult. I felt a bit anxious while free practice because afternoon’s weather was unpredictable.
Despite our difficult situations, Nojiri san managed to advance to Q2 in 8th position. It began to rain harder in Q2 and I felt pressure to drive with wet tires, but I was able to secure 3rd position in qualifying.
In the first stint of the race, Nojiri san kept 4th position after the start, but gradually dropped the position due to some kind of issue with the car.
When my stint started after the pit stop, our position was behind 10th so I concentrated on driving to deliver the car to the finish line. However our race was over after getting hit from the back.
Obviously I was frustrated without scoring any points in 2 races in a row, but I will do my best with the team for the next round where we can race with little weight handicap.
Thank you for your support as always.
