Round 5 Suzuka Circuit : Race Winner's comments

No.No.12 CALSONIC IMPUL Z

I really owe this win to everyone. Thank you so much! During the battle with car No. 23 there was one moment when I felt the pressure after running off the track. But the rest of the time I though about Manager Hoshino and the voices of the fans cheering us on and just drove on with all the determination and strength I could muster. I feel as if I don't have an ounce of fight left in me right now. The truth is that I didn't even know I was battling for the lead until about the last three laps. That is how spent I was. But the car and the tire's performance were everything. I have nothing but gratitude for it all!

This is my first win as a Nissan driver. It was really a tough survival race. Although we started from the very back of the pack, we were able to put together a very strong race effort. The job that Hiramine-san did for us was especially fantastic. I am so glad that the two of us, together with the team, were able to get this win.

No.4 GOODSMILE HATSUNE MIKU AMG

I am just so happy! At the goal I didn't have any tears left cry. In the last race we had gone from elation to complete despair (having lost the race to last-minute machine trouble). So, I am so glad to get this first win in five years. And it is especially rewarding since this is our first win at Suzuka. Until now, everyone had said that we were no good at Suzuka, but now that has proven to be a lie (wry smile).

After my stint all I could do was to watch the race, and since we had suffered such a disappointment last time, I was on the edge of my seat with my heart pounding all the way to the checkered flag. I am still so full of thoughts about what happened in the last race and the fact that this is our first win in five years, that I guess I won't be able to really savor this win until sometime tomorrow (laughs). And since many of us on the team have individual sponsors, I want to have a big celebration for everyone who has waited with us for this victory.