No.37 Deloitte TOM’S GR Supra Ukyo Sasahara “After the start, I was running in the top group while managing to avoid inflicting damage on my tires and taking opportunities to move up when possible. Toyota, the team and the people from Bridgestone Tire prepared a wonderful car for us. On the lap just before making my pit stop, I pushed hard as if my life depended on it (wry smile). Since I thought this would make it possible to take the lead as planned, I would give myself a rating of about 90 points for the job I did (laughs).” Giuliano Alesi “I had the job of driving in the second half, and when I left the pit, I thought it would be tough to hold my lead (with car No. 8 closing in). But I didn’t give up and kept pushing hard. And my tires warmed up quicker that I thought they would. So, I’m glad I was able to run on to the win. Because the car was set up perfectly today, I want to express my thanks to Toyota, the team and the people at Bridgestone Tires.”
No.18 UPGARAGE AMG GT3 Takashi Kobayashi “In the end, I was able to get a second consecutive victory at Sepang, as well as a pole-to-win victory, so I’m very happy with the results. Nomura lost some ground on the first lap, but he didn’t give up and kept hanging on to the leaders, so he really did a great job for us. There was a mistake in the pit work by car No. 52, and on my first lap out of the pit, I was able to push hard and get the lead back. There was also the fact that the team really worked hard to set up the car so well for us. In the end, (while being closed in on from behind) it was tough going, but I’m very glad that we were able to win. I just want to thank everyone.” Yuto Nomura “On the first lap after the start it was difficult to get my tires warmed up and car No. 52 was able to pass me, but after that I was able to hold on from behind. Then, when we were able to get the lead back after the pit stop, and it was the first win for me, so I was really happy.”
