Sasahara and Oyu completed third in final Sunday’s sixth spherical of the season, benefiting from the Dunlop tyre’s velocity in what was the primary moist SUPER GT race for 3 years.
With the 2 Michelin-shod Nissan Zs ending first and second, it was the primary race of the season to not function not less than one Bridgestone automotive on the rostrum.
Sasahara took over from beginning driver Oyu on lap 36 of 84 and withstood strain from the best-placed of the Bridgestone vehicles, the Cerumo Toyota GR Supra, in he latter a part of the race to safe third.
However regardless of scoring a primary podium end since 2020, he feels the outcome was extra a mirrored image of how Bridgestone struggled within the rain than any main progress with the Mugen-Dunlop package deal.
“Surprisingly, the Bridgestone groups weren’t quick after they switched to moist tyres, and that was an element,” Sasahara instructed Motorsport.com’s Japanese version.
“It seems like a very good state of affairs at first look, however I can’t say with huge confidence that we’re in nice form or something.”
Nonetheless, Sasahara additionally acknowledged that the velocity of the Dunlop slick on a barely damp observe was additionally important to ending on the rostrum.
“The circumstances have been nonetheless troublesome, however once I utilizing slicks the Dunlop tyre confirmed an amazing efficiency on a barely moist observe, and that allowed me to remain calm and management the hole to the automotive behind,” he mentioned. “I am grateful for that.”
Oyu was on the wheel of the Purple Bull-sponsored Honda in the course of the preliminary rain bathe, and loved a spell within the lead of the race as many of the different GT500 runners pitted for moist tyres earlier than Mugen known as him in on lap 19.
The 24-year-old opined that Dunlop appropriately predicting the unstable climate was one other consider he and Sasahara with the ability to rating their first podium end as a duo of their second 12 months collectively.
“I believe it’s true that the tyres are getting higher,” mentioned Oyu. “We imagined the circumstances may find yourself being one thing like this and we ready accordingly, and it labored effectively.
“Principally we have to enhance the bottom of the automotive, however it’s getting higher little by little. In opposition to that backdrop the best way the race unfolded performed into our arms, and by doing a very good job and enduring the circumstances it turned out to be a very good race.”
Sasahara and Oyu now head to the penultimate spherical of the season at Autopolis, the place they began from pole place final 12 months solely to lose the prospect of a victory on account of a indifferent wheel.
“We have been nearly capable of win at Suzuka [Round 5] as effectively, however it turned out to be a type of races,” mentioned Oyu, referring to the timing of the security automotive that ruined Mugen’s pit technique. “However the workforce has grown due to these experiences and I wish to make use of the workforce’s energy.
“Our success weight will enhance, however I would like present the sort of efficiency that may enable us to start out from pole once more [at Autopolis].”
- Stream each qualifying session and race of the 2022 SUPER GT season solely on Motorsport.tv.
