With the start of the Official Tests of the 2026 AUTOBACS SUPER GT season, it is just about one month until the opening round of the series at Okayama (April 11th and 12th). With this, we interviewed some of the drivers who will be the focus of special attention, as well and rookie drivers and newly added drivers. As we look forward to the start of the series we offer their messages to the SUPER GT fans.
In this third edition, we present an interview with driver Naoya Gamou, who drives the No. 65 LEON PYRAMID AMG that has won two GT300 class Championship titles since 2018 and this season is aiming for a second consecutive title.
* Interviewed at the Official tests Okayama
Naoya Gamou No. 65 LEON PYRAMID AMG（2025 GT300 class Champion）
− This season you will be competing again in the Mecedes AMG GT3, and it appears that a new car has been adopted, hasn’t it. How do you feel now that you have driven it? The Official Tests at Okayama have been the first time actually driving it this season, and I am glad that we have had no trouble with it so far. The drivers and the type of car are the same as last year, but we are trying out some new things, involving the settings and driving, and I hope to see some improvements.
− Last season saw a lot of fierce competition, didn’t it. Which races left the strongest impression on you, Gamou-san? In the series, if we win points in the opening round and in the early stages of the season, we have to carry Success Weight. In the process, getting as many series points as possible is very important for competing well in the series as a whole. In the summer race at Suzuka (Round 5) running with the Success Weight we had was very difficult, and it was tough. But together with everyone on the team we continued to compete without giving up, and the few points we got there (5 points) turned out to be very important. I think that was one of the big points of the season.
− After winning that second title, do you feel confident about winning a consecutive title? Of course we will be working hard to get another title, but if we don’t keep improving the car’s settings and the driving, I think things will be tough. The rivals have gotten stronger than ever, and since that will make the competition tougher, we will have to work with determination to the end, and the important thing is to aspire to always improve.” At the opening round at Okayama International Circuit, it is the track where the spectator stands are closer to the track than at any other circuit, and that makes it a course where you feel tremendous intensity. So, I hope everyone will not miss this chance to come and experience it live at the circuit.
For the next interview, we will be talking with Togo Suganami, who drove the No. 65 LEON PYRAMID AMG to win his first GT300 class Championship. We hope you will look forward to it.
