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F-Nippon / Super GT News
Tsugio Matsuda wins from Pole in season opener
18/04/2008
The All Japan championship Formula Nippon season opener took place at the Fuji Speed way with 19,500 spectators visiting the venue on race day. 2007 champion Matsuda collected pole position, though from the start of the race he followed rookie Takuya Izawa but soon took back his original position to win.
The Formula Nippon series has adapted a new qualify system, similar to F1, that works like a knock out system. The first 20 minutes decide the 16th -20th spots, second 10 minutes for 9th -15th spots and last 10 minutes for Pole to 8th spots. Matsuda was fastest in all sessions and collected pole, rookie driver Izawa took 2nd spot and Joao Paulo de Oliveira took 3rd spot.
Pole man Matsuda almost stalled his engine at the start and Izawa made good start at his maiden Formula Nippon race. But Matsuda took back the first position calmly at the exit of the first corner. Matsuda established a gap with outstanding speed and he had no trouble to win, while some drivers underwent paddle shift trouble with the new device that was introduced from this year. Yuji Tachikawa started from 10th spot and drove splendid for 2nd finish. Roberto Streit the rookie driver showed good drive unlike first attempt.
Tsugio Matsuda - Race Winner, said:
“I would like to thank the team and engineers for preparing a fantastic car. I made a bad start but I drove calmly to take back first position at exit of first corner. The car and tyres were fantastic from start to finish”
Yasuo Teranishi - Bridgestone senior technical adviser, said:
“It was fine weather for the season opener and both the air and track temperature was good for the tyres. The new qualifying system and some rookie drivers who made a good drive, was attractive for race fans. Matsuda was outstanding, his drive and tyre management were excellent for the win”
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