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Nojiri and his teammate aboard the #8 ARTA machine, Nirei Fukuzumi, ended up ending down in twelfth general on lower than half the factors tally of Honda’s different two Bridgestone-shod GT500 crews, marking the Aguri Suzuki-led staff’s worst outcome for the reason that 2016 season.
The one go to to the rostrum all yr for Nojiri and Fukuzumi got here in Might’s second spherical of the season at Fuji, because the pair took a low-key win in a race shortened by Nissan driver Mitsunori Takaboshi’s terrifying crash, and solely after two Toyota crews had been penalised.
In addition to that, solely within the fourth spherical at Fuji did the #8 NSX-GT crack the highest 5 as operational errors price the staff helpful factors at Sugo and Autopolis.
The probabilities of ending the yr with a powerful outcome at Motegi had been ruined when Nojiri was spun out by the NDDP Racing Nissan of Katsumasa Chiyo at Flip 5 on the opening lap, inflicting him to drop to the rear of the sphere.
In a yr wherein he additionally turned a two-time Tremendous Formulation champion, Nojiri mentioned ARTA’s struggles made him realise his personal limitations as a driver.
“There have been so many races the place we may have achieved higher, however we made many errors that ruined or destroyed the race, and that’s very irritating,” Nojiri instructed Motorsport.com.
“With out that contact [at Motegi], I believe we may have been near the rostrum, so I really feel once more that we may have had a distinct race. However now we have to goal to be within the prime positions in all eight races, with out making errors, or the championship will stay distant.
“Particularly as a result of I gained the championship in Tremendous Formulation, it made me realise there are nonetheless areas the place I’m missing. It’s irritating, it’s annoying, and I really feel that I can do extra.”
ARTA’s dismal season additionally marked the ultimate marketing campaign for the staff and its long-time service companion Servus Japan, as Nojiri’s Tremendous Formulation staff Mugen prepares to take over the operating of the #8 automotive in 2023.
Nojiri says he’s motivated to go for a primary SUPER GT title subsequent yr and attempt to match Honda colleague Naoki Yamamoto’s feat of profitable each of Japan’s prime collection in the identical yr.
“In Tremendous Formulation I’m aiming for a 3rd consecutive title, however SUPER GT is SUPER GT,” he mentioned. “I’ve by no means been champion, so I’ve no choice however to combat onerous for a primary title.
“Getting a double title like Yamamoto can be actually tough, however whereas I’m nonetheless in a position to have an opportunity, I’ll proceed to goal for it.”
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