SUPER GT Rd.4: Unprecedented format, challenges for the sprint style races at Fuji Speedway
For SUPER GT’s 4th round at Fuji Speedway on August 2-3, the race adopted an unprecedented “sprint” style format over the two-day event, which proved to be an uphill challenge—not only for Astemo Real Racing but also the other Honda Civic Type-R GT race machines.
In this unique format, the final race was split across two days—one driver competes in Race 1 (35 laps) on Saturday in a mixed field of GT500 and GT300 classes, while the other driver competes in Race 2 (50 minutes) for GT500 class (non-mixed) on Sunday. Each day featured its own practice, qualifiers, and final race. Given the shorter format, pit stops for tire changes or refueling wouldn’t be needed, and notably, there were no success weight handicaps.
Race 1: Under the specter of rainfall
Saturday started under clear skies, with Koide focusing on fine-tuning the machine setup during the morning practice runs. During the GT500 session, the variance in tire performance led to mixed results that ended in 13th place.
For qualifying at noon, Koide entered pushing hard and secured a 12th place, but hopes were high for a strong comeback in the final race. With clouds draping over the track, the final race began at 3:15 pm. After the formation laps Koide made a strong start, gaining positions. However, leading contender Car #14 (ENEOS X PRIME GR Supra) made contact with another car amidst the initial traffic, leading to a frontal collision with a barrier and taking it out of commission. The safety car came out to tamp down the initial momentum, and once racing resumed on lap 6, the Astemo CIVIC TYPE R-GT ran in 10th, chasing Car #24 (Realize Corporation ADVAN Z).
By lap 15, Koide began snaking through GT300 traffic and remained composed. On lap 21, he closed the gap to just 0.4 seconds and successfully overtook Car #24 at the Dunlop Corner on lap 22, moving into 9th.
Rain began to fall in the closing laps, but not enough to turn the tide of the Supras leading the pack, which saw little change in positions with the lack of pit stops. Koide set his personal best lap on lap 32 and held on to finish 9th, earning valuable championship points.
Race 2: Aggressive attack leading to setback
The next day showed promising signs of redemption, with driver Tsukakoshi finishing the morning practice session in 8th.
In qualifying just before noon, he entered the track late for a final attack. With GR Supras dominating the top five, the Astemo CIVIC TYPE R-GT posted the 13th fastest time. Due to another car’s time being disqualified, Tsukakoshi’s position bumped up to 12th on the grid.
The race began at 4:50 pm amidst light drizzling of rain. Tsukakoshi made a strong start, overtaking Car #23 (MOTUL AUTECH Z) on the opening lap. A fierce back-and-forth ensued that included Car #24.
On lap 11, Tsukakoshi overtook Car #19 (WedsSports ADVAN GR Supra) at the Dunlop Corner to reclaim 11th. However, upon review of contact with Car #23 on the opening lap, Tsukakoshi was given a 5-second penalty, to be added at the end of the race.
Team Director Kaneishi urged Tsukakoshi to make up the time, and he responded by increasing his pace. On lap 28, he overtook Car #8 (ARTA MUGEN CIVIC TYPE R-GT) to move back into 10th. Unfortunately, on the final lap, Car #23 regained the position, and Tsukakoshi crossed the line in 11th. With the penalty applied, his official result was 13th.
We thank the more than 200 Astemo employees and families who attended the race, which saw a total of 52,300 spectators. Round 5 will take place at Suzuka Circuit on August 23–24, which will return to the more traditional—and possibly more favorable—race format.
