Japanese
NISMO’s Ronnie Quintarelli (No.1 MOTUL AUTECH GT-R), four-time series champion of the GT500, was awarded the degree of Officer (ufficiale) by the Order of the Star of Italy, a national order of the Italian Republic.
* Photo by Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd.
The Order gives recognition and awards are conferred on the recipient by the President of Italy. Italian Ronnie Quintarelli began competing in the SUPER GT in 2008. Taking the championship four times within the five years from 2011 to 2015, Ronnie still holds the record for the most championships won. The award was bestowed in recognition of this as well as his continued contributions to the Tohoku region of Japan, following the disaster of 2011.
Given the award on June 22 by Domeico Giorgi, the Italian ambassador to Japan, at the Italian embassy, Quintarelli expressed his joy., commenting: “I would like to thank Sergio Matarella, our President, and ambassador Domenico Giorgi greatly for this award. This comes as a great honor to me, and I believe that this award is a reflection of the shared convictions and strong bond that has come about between myself and the people of Japan. Together with Nissan/NISMO I have won the SUPER GT four times, and as an Italian driver it is my intention to continue to work hard, conducting myself in a way that is deserving of this honor that has been bestowed upon me today. Among these efforts will be my continued contributions to the people of Tohoku who suffered in the disaster of March 11, 2011. I would like to give thanks to my family in Italy, my family here in Japan, and all of the rest of the people who have helped support my career.”
Quintarelli with Masaaki Bandoh, Chairman of GTA
| 4/13-14 | Round1 OKAYAMA | |
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5/03-04 | Round2 FUJI |
| 6/01-02 | Round3 SUZUKA | |
| 8/03-04 | Round4 FUJI | |
| 8/31-9/01 | Round5 SUZUKA | |
| 9/21-22 | Round6 SUGO | |
| 10/19-20 | Round7 AUTOPOLIS | |
| 11/02-03 | Round8 MOTEGI |