2019.11.24

SUPER GT × DTM Dream Race : Race 2 Press Conference

SUPER GT × DTM Dream Race : Race 2 Press Conference

No. 64 Modulo Epson NSX-GT

 

From the time of the tire test sessions on Thursday, the match of the Hankook tires and our machine was very good, so I felt that we were going to have a good race weekend. So, it feels really great to have actually won. I feel like a dream has come true. The level of racing in Japan is very high and the competition tough, so it isn’t easy to win. I have been on the podium several time in Super Formula Championship, but I have never actually won a race in the Championship. I have also had a difficult time in SUPER GT this year, but we managed to finish 2nd in Round 7 at SUGO. Our team is the only one using Dunlop tires, and since we are competing against team on Bridgestone and Michelin tires, we are doing the best we can with the data we have available, and I think we have had a wonder season. I am very happy that we were able to compete in an exchange race event like this, and I think it is very good for both SUPER GT and DTM. I just want to say that this has been a great win for me today.

 

 

 

 

No. 11 BMW M4 DTM

 

It has been a tough race weekend starting from the Friday official practice and the Saturday Race 1. So, we tried changing our strategy today and it turned out to be a very good day. Starting from 7th position, I had been getting better at improving my place with the Indy style starts, and that helped make this a very exciting race for me. I really enjoyed the battle with Loic [Duval] at the end. It was much tougher than our normal competition in DTM. Especially the last three turns were fantastic. It’s too bad he got that penalty, but I think it was still a very exciting race for the fans.
I have never had my birthday (Nov. 24) on a race weekend before, so today was a very special day for me. The BMW family had prepared a cake for me, so I was able to celebrate my birthday with the people from BMW Japan, making this an unforgettable day. I want to celebrate more when I get back to Tokyo tonight. I also want to say that the race fans in Japan are really into racing and they are very friendly. I have never had a race weekend when I signed so many autographs. It was really a wonderful weekend.

 

 

 

 

No.28 BMC Airfilter Audi RS 5 DTM

 

Compared to yesterday (when he failed to start the race), it has been a very good day (laughs). Conditions were tough in today’s qualifying, so it was good that I got to start from pole position (because of No. 16 penalty). Having seen the SUPER GT teams’ performances yesterday, I felt there were some points on which we were lacking. I also felt that we shouldn’t overexert ourselves.
In today’s race, after the tire puncture at the 100R curve and after the Safety Car came out, I was able to get my pace back after I got back in the race. At the final restart, I was able to move up at a good pace from 13th position and improve my place in the race. It was a very exciting race, indeed. Especially the last lap was exciting. It is unfortunate that I had the penalty at the end, but since this in an exhibition race, the difference between 2nd and 3rd place isn’t such a problem. Most important is that I feel we fulfilled our goals in this Dream Race, so I am happy.

 

 

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