2019.09.08

Round 6 Race Press Conference

Round 6 Autopolis : Race Press Conference

No.39 DENSO KOBELCO SARD LC500

 

It was tough conditions out there with the race changing from rain to dry. Everything changed after my stint and all I could do was pray for luck. Things have been tough for us this season, but I am really glad we got this win.

 

When I was ready to enter the race there was a big traffic jam in the pit area and collisions took place. But he time our engineer Tanaka chose for the pit stop was perfect. Everyone on the team did their jobs well, so I really feel it was the team’s strength that got us this far. I ran trying to save wear on the tires for when the competition caught up with us at the end. I have competed on Bridgestone tires in GT300 as well, so this time I was able to trust in the tires and hold off for the win.

 

 

 

 

 

No.60 SYNTIUM LMcorsa RC F GT3

 

LM corsa has competed all this way with the LEXUS RC F GT3 since its development period, and it was a long and difficult time. It was Manager Akira Iida’s decision that we should race on with slick tires through the wet. And Ritomo [Miyata] got the car to me in good position. It surprised me how the weather and luck all could come together like this for a win. I want to congratulate everyone on the team. Thank you all (tears).

 

I never thought things would turn out like this. I have been with this team all along since last year, with everyone working to get a wins, but it just never happened. Last year we finished 3rd in Thailand, but I think we could have won if I had been stronger. But it was concentrating on improving in each race that finally got us here, I believe. It turned out that the team’s strategy had been right and I was really relieved when it didn’t rain at the end.

 

 

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