With the conclusion of the 2026 AUTOBACS SUPER GT Official tests at Okayama and Fuji, the opening round of the season at Okayama is fast approaching (held on April 11th and 12th).
With this, we interviewed some of the drivers who will be the focus of special attention, as well as 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 sixth edition, we will be talking with Rikuto Kobayashi, who raced last season in the GT300 class and got a win there, and this season has stepped up to the GT500 class, where he will drive the No. 38 KeePer CERUMO GR Supra. We hope you will look forward to it.
* Interviewed at the Official tests Fuji
Rikuto Kobayashi No. 38 KeePer CERUMO GR Supra（GT500 class rookie）
− You are finally taking on the challenge of driving in the GT500 class, aren’t you. First of all, please tell us how you came to join your new team? I was given the offer to join TOYOTA GAZOO Racing a little before they announced their plans for the season (on December 19th). It was a surprise, and I was happy about it, but I also had some doubts at the same time. After having watched their fantastic races as a spectator, I couldn’t really imagine myself now beginning to compete as part of the same team. I was also happy when I was competing in the GT300 class, but I thought it would probably be a different world competing in the GT500 class, so I felt that I had be prepared for something more demanding.
− TGR TEAM KeePer CERUMO is a famous team that has won the GT500 class Drivers Title three times. Although you have only just finished the Official Tests, can you tell us your impression of the team? As I worked with everyone going through the tests, they were very friendly and kind in the way they delt with me, and I felt that it was a good team. Toshiki Oyu-san was very kind. As for myself, there were so many things I didn’t know. Not only with regard to driving, but also things that were necessary when communicating with the team and the approach one had to take as a GT500 driver, etc., I was very grateful about the way he taught me everything.
− Having been through the tests here, will you tell us now about how you feel and your impression of the GR Supra GT500. Everything is different from driving in the GT300 class. The speed is different, and I am still not used to the electronic control systems, as well as the level of the rival teams I have to compete against. Also, the content of the things the team talk about and the way the meetings are held, everything is different. Until now, coming through the Maker Tests and these Official Tests, I feel that I am getting used to the car to some degree. However, in everything from the way we warm up the tires, to the way we pass the GT300 class cars, etc., there is a lot you have to be careful to manage during the races, so I want to work step by step to get used to and progress through all this as quickly as possible.
− With all this in mind, will you please tell us about your goals in the opening round at Okayama and for the season as a whole? Right now, I have no idea about what place we can aim for (in the opening round). First of all, I have to do what I can with my present level of ability, and when the first race is over, if I can feel that I ran fairly well, I will then try to make the next step forward. That is what I want to work on first. Then, when the season is over, I want to be able to feel that I have become a respectable GT500 driver.
In our next interview we will talk with Igor Omura Fraga, who after performing well in the GT300 class moved last season to SUPER FORMULA and got a win there, and this season has moved up to the GT500 class to drive the No. 64 Modulo HRC PRELUDE-GT. We hope you will look forward to it.
