2018.04.08

Round 1 Okayama Race Press Conference

Round 1 Okayama International Circuit : Race Press Conference

No.17 KEIHIN NSX-GT

 

I didn’t get any information from the team about the fact that I had a broken part from another machine stuck in my front or that cat No. 100 was racing the second stint with no tire change at the pit stop, so I didn’t learn about either until the race was over. I think this was because in the pit they all wanted to help me concentrate on my driving. And, indeed, since No. 100 was chasing me hard, I had to keep concentrated the whole time. So, I’m really happy to get this win.

 

In the second half of the race, I was really nervous as I watched the race on the TV monitor. It made me realize anew what tremendous tension goes into winning a race, and what a wonderful thing it is and what great joy it brings. It is my first win since coming to this team, so I am very, very happy.

 

 

 

No.18 UPGARAGE 86 MC

 

This my fourth season since coming to this team. I am really glad that we have been able to give Ishida-san (Team Manager Ishida) this victory. I have always wanted to please Ishida-san, and with the stronger team organization this year, we were finally able to get a win for him in the opening round. It really makes me proud.

 

I am so glad we won. I came to this team this season and I knew that they brought me to the team because they wanted to win. The results in yesterday’s qualifying were really poor, but today we got the best result we ever could have hoped for. I am relieved that we have won today, but I know that I can’t ride on this one success but have to keep working until we win our next goal, the championship.

 

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