|
|
F-Nippon / Super GT Features & Interviews
Formula Nippon News -Treluyer Racks Up Third Win
27/08/2006
The sixth round of the Formula Nippon championship took place at the Fuji Speedway, with 24,100 spectators crammed into the circuit to take in the action.
Benoit Treluyer in his Kazuyoshi Hoshino run Lola/Toyota/BS car started from third position, fitted with slick tires on the still wet track at the start.
He moved up to second position at the beginning of the race, following his teammate Tsugio Matsuda who was running on wet tires. Treluyer then led the race when Matsuda pitted to change onto slicks.
Qualifying
Takashi Kogure in his Aguri Suzuki run Lola/Honda/BS car took pole position – his third pole of the year. His teammate Toshihiro Kanishi was also in good shape with a fourth place on the grid, behind Treluyer in third and Satoshi Motoyama in second.
Race
It rained an hour before the race start, but then stopped the moment the cars on grid ran their formation lap. With a half-wet track, it was very difficult to make the correct decision on which tire to start the race.
Nineteen cars opted for slicks, with only three opting for wets include Matsuda. Kogure spun during the formation lap on the slippery track and stalled, which saw the race started without a driver on pole.
Matzuda, who started from 11th spot made a fine start to lead on the first lap – thanks to his choice of wet tires. But 10 laps later, Treluyer on his slicks reeled in Matsuda, forcing him to change from wets to slicks and to lose first position
Winner: Benoit Treluyer
“It was so difficult to drive at the beginning of the race with slicks. I tried to keep my car on the track. When the track dried up, I drove well, with loads of grip. I am so happy with this third win.”
Bridgestone Senior Technical Adviser: Yasuo Teranishi
“I am sorry for Takashi Kogure, because he was a victim of the tricky weather condition. He changed to slick tires on the grid and he was the first driver to drive on the still wet track. His spin was a warning to other drivers.”
|
|