2016 Japanese Super GT

[DistortedSmile]

Originally Posted by Artur

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69G3TVHOFV4

Was about to post that, really cool stuff, the world needs more GT500 onboards.

[MagVanisher]

Originally Posted by DistortedSmile

Was about to post that, really cool stuff, the world needs more GT500 onboards.

But the GTA won't allow that to happen. Unless if they want to show Super GT to the world, I think it should be changed so that teams won't get penalized for seeing their cockpit.

[Japanese Samurai]

According to twitter,
Honda teams are testing at Okayama on Dec 9.
Oliver Turvey drove KEIHIN NSX (#17).
https://twitter.com/baby_peanuts/sta...83051955900416
https://twitter.com/narur4/status/675240180123570178

[banzailap]

It's just that the live feed does not show onboard for some reason. There are plenty of onboards and pit radio on cable and TV programs after the races and on the official DVDs. Actually there is a lot more to Super GT than the live feed on TV if you are in Japan, in term of post race analysis, drivers interviews etc. unfortunately I can't imagine that there is a way to get that out of Japan except for the occasional (and short lived) YouTube upload.

[Artur]

@banzailap, do you mean footage like this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hogAMb3e4hg

But all I come across on youtube are race uploads. Can you tell me if there are qualifying onboard laps shown anywhere in Japan? I only found this great one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fBegbmiKek

[Japanese Samurai]

Hirohide Hamashima (ex-Bridgestone, Ferrari) join in the Team CERUMO (#38) and becomes General Director of SGT and SF.
http://as-web.jp/news/info.php?c_id=2&no=70155

[Japanese Samurai]

According to twitter,
it seems that SGT test are held at Sepang.
Team Tom's (#36): Daisuke Ito, James Rossiter
The participation situation of other teams is unknown.
https://twitter.com/tomsracing/statu...63771364909056
https://twitter.com/tomsracing/statu...98937070391296
https://twitter.com/tomsracing/statu...09662159007744

[TF110]

Ito said they covered near 1000km each day. No times that I can find.

[hvr777]

Originally Posted by Japanese Samurai

According to twitter,
it seems that SGT test are held at Sepang.
Team Tom's (#36): Daisuke Ito, James Rossiter
The participation situation of other teams is unknown.
https://twitter.com/tomsracing/statu...63771364909056
https://twitter.com/tomsracing/statu...98937070391296
https://twitter.com/tomsracing/statu...09662159007744

Now I'm curious about their best lap time on their Super GT at Sepang.

[Japanese Samurai]

According to Tsutomu Tojo (Chief engineer of Team Tom's) blog,
This Sepang test schedule is total 4 days (Dec. 17-21). Today is one day break.
They ran total 1,800km by 2 days.
He says that they are testing as a representative of BS users.
http://gazoo.com/my/sites/0001452434...t.aspx?ID=3506

[Tedracing]

Does anyone know anything about Nissan's line up?

Any truth to the rumour earlier on this threat that JP Oliveira and Quintarelli might swap seats?

[J Jay]

That'd be right out of left-field, and rather odd given the ill feeling between the respective teams. I know there is some fluidity to driver lineups within factory stables, but why ruin the successful relationships both drivers have built up with their current partners?

It would also be a new tyre brand for each to get used to, which counts for a lot given SGT's (GLORIOUS) tyre war.

[Japanese Samurai]

Judging from this tweet, Team Bandoh (#19) is testing at Sepang.
https://twitter.com/Fazrool_x534z/st...68432765956096

And Juichi Wakisaka is in Japan now.

[hvr777]

[OT] For those who missed Tsuneyuki Shimoda's scream at Super GT commentary, here is the match commentary of J1 League (Gamba Osaka vs Nagoya Grampus)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHk4gc8S3S4

Well, I don't know when he will return to Super GT..
FYI, Nagoya Grampus logo is already on #39 Denso Kobelco SARD RC F

[Artur]

Originally Posted by J Jay

That'd be right out of left-field, and rather odd given the ill feeling between the respective teams. I know there is some fluidity to driver lineups within factory stables, but why ruin the successful relationships both drivers have built up with their current partners?

It would also be a new tyre brand for each to get used to, which counts for a lot given SGT's (GLORIOUS) tyre war.

Adding to your doubts over this speculation, here's Quintarelli comments on the Michelin PR, after winning the tittle:

Ronnie Quintarelli: “This was the hardest championship to win. We had no margin for error. In certain situations, we were even perhaps a little behind, as we saw in qualifying. In the race, however, we succeeded in making the very most of our MICHELIN tires. Pascal Couasnon was at the race, too, so it’s really nice to have won, especially given the tragedy that struck France two days ago.
“I was the first driver to test for MICHELIN when it returned to the championship in 2009. To begin with, we were a little lost. However, at the pre-season test in the heat of Malaysia, I felt there was real potential. Indeed, we won our fourth race… at Sepang. Despite that, we tended to suffer in damp conditions and whenever the weather was cold. A great deal of effort went into development work and that allowed us to win back-to-back crowns with Mola in 2011 and 2012. Then, last year, for my second season as part of the NISMO works team, we succeeded in recovering the title which we finally managed to defend this season.
“What I like about Michelin is the way it works. It take things one step at a time and doesn’t fire off in all directions. That’s how I like to work and it’s one of the reasons why we work so well together. It’s one of the secrets of our success.»
“For Michelin to have won four titles in five years here in Japan, the home of its rivals, is quite simply exceptional and I would like to pay a big tribute to the brand this evening.”

Of course, PRs are for that. Competitors will only praise their partners but, still, would you want to be shod in a different rubber considering you were using the one which won 4 out of the last 5 tittles?

Bridgestone is a great company(unlike Dunlop/Yokohama which are from a lower tier) but it would maybe require some adapting and that could be tricky initially.

[AkioAsakura95]

Originally Posted by Artur

Adding to your doubts over this speculation, here's Quintarelli comments on the Michelin PR, after winning the tittle:


Of course, PRs are for that. Competitors will only praise their partners but, still, would you want to be shod in a different rubber considering you were using the one which won 4 out of the last 5 tittles?

Bridgestone is a great company(unlike Dunlop/Yokohama which are from a lower tier) but it would maybe require some adapting and that could be tricky initially.

I hoped Quintarelli will swap to Team Impul with J.P Oliveria

And here this is the wishlist of 2016 Nissan GT500 Driver lineup

(#1） NISMO: Sasaki , Oliveria
(#12) IMPUL : Motoyama , Quintarelli
(#24) KONDO: Krumm, Takaboshi (which he stepped up from GT300)
(#46) MOLA: Matsuda , Yasuda

[J Jay]

Originally Posted by Artur

Of course, PRs are for that. Competitors will only praise their partners but, still, would you want to be shod in a different rubber considering you were using the one which won 4 out of the last 5 tittles?

Bridgestone is a great company(unlike Dunlop/Yokohama which are from a lower tier) but it would maybe require some adapting and that could be tricky initially.

Yep, why fix something that clearly isn't broken? It's not just Quintarelli/Tsugida continuing their top form, Oliveira/Yasuda have also shown great form and consistency over the last two seasons. I just don't see any good reason for a switch from the outside.

[AkioAsakura95]

Originally Posted by J Jay

Yep, why fix something that clearly isn't broken? It's not just Quintarelli/Tsugida continuing their top form, Oliveira/Yasuda have also shown great form and consistency over the last two seasons. I just don't see any good reason for a switch from the outside.

@J Jay

I adjust this driver lineup to ensure the Nissan team is much more challenging as Nissan won GT500 champion consecutive for two times 2014 and 2015. And the Aerodynamics development of GT500 for 2016 season are same for the 2015 season one

[J Jay]

Originally Posted by AkioAsakura95

@J Jay

I adjust this driver lineup to ensure the Nissan team is much more challenging as Nissan won GT500 champion consecutive for two times 2014 and 2015. And the Aerodynamics development of GT500 for 2016 season are same for the 2015 season one

I think I understand now, but let me double-check - you want the drivers to switch to add some uncertainty to the Nissan teams next season so the other teams have a better chance of winning the championship?

I agree that it would mix things up, but for that same reason I cannot see Nissan doing it. Why would they want to jeopardise their chances of success?

[AkioAsakura95]

Originally Posted by J Jay

I think I understand now, but let me double-check - you want the drivers to switch to add some uncertainty to the Nissan teams next season so the other teams have a better chance of winning the championship?

I agree that it would mix things up, but for that same reason I cannot see Nissan doing it. Why would they want to jeopardise their chances of success?

HaHa.. I hoped GTA will doing it, for the Lexus Team and Honda team sake for the fairness for them .

[TheNo1F1Fan]

Originally Posted by AkioAsakura95

I hoped Quintarelli will swap to Team Impul with J.P Oliveria

And here this is the wishlist of 2016 Nissan GT500 Driver lineup

(#1） NISMO: Sasaki , Oliveria
(#12) IMPUL : Motoyama , Quintarelli
(#24) KONDO: Krumm, Takaboshi (which he stepped up from GT300)
(#46) MOLA: Matsuda , Yasuda

I'm mostly thinking NISMO and Impul's driver lineup will be the same. But Motoyama / Quintarelli pairing is like a Super GT dream team!

[LavidaLoca]

to be honest Satoshi Motoyama's pace has been fading over the last seasons, so hard to see him pairing with Quintarelli

[hvr777]

Originally Posted by AkioAsakura95

HaHa.. I hoped GTA will doing it, for the Lexus Team and Honda team sake for the fairness for them .

Totally nonsense.

I think Matsuda/Quintarelli combination is already strong, so I'll expect the reshuffle on Nissan team at another team (Impul/Kondo Racing/MOLA).

[TF110]

I think the fact the NISMO team is factory backed has a lot to do with them winning. Not just the Michelin tires. It is obvious when you see the Lexus get ballast, theyre not as good as the NISMO. Theres a lot of different RC F's winning, but just the NISMO or IMPUL for the GTR's.

[Japanese Samurai]

According to Tokyo Auto Salon website,
Team apr will put 2016 version Toyota Prius apr GT on show.
http://www.tokyoautosalon.jp/TAS/201...ode=&st1=97208