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F-Nippon / Super GT News
Super GT News - Firman And Ito Take Second Series Win At Sportland Sugo
29/07/2007
The fifth round of the Super GT Championship took place in Sportland Sugo and despite the unexpected wet weather some 29000 spectators turned out to watch the Bridgestone-shod Honda NSX of Daisuke Ito and Ralph Firman see off Ryo Michigami and Takashi Kogure in the difficult conditions to take first place.
Michigami and Kogure took pole position in qualifying Pole, their forth, and a series record to boot. Ito and Firman took second spot with Loic Duval and Fabio Carbone in their Honda NSX in third.
A sudden downpour just before the start of the race saw the safety car come out for the first five laps. Pole-sitters Michigami and Kogure led the beginning of the race but were passed by Ito and Firman as the pack slowed under a yellow flag.
Juichi Wakisaka and Andre Lottere in their Lexus SC430 led the middle section of the race but were penalised after Lottere crossed the white line at the pit lane entrance. Ito retook the lead again and despite Michigami doing his best, secured first place and the duo’s second win of the season, giving them a 20 point lead.
“Ralph did a great job and lead the race under very difficult conditions when the track began to dry out,” said Ito. “I concentrated hard to keep that advantage in my stint. We’ve got a large points lead now but we’ll keep trying hard for the rest of the season.”
“It was so slippery for the first five laps, but things improved when the tyres warmed up,” said Firman. “We took our second win here but with its unique points system, you have to work hard in this championship.”
“Almost all the cars fitted light rain tyres at the start of the race,” explained Yoshihiro Hosoya, Bridgestone’s tire engineer. “We expected more rain but the weather changed and the track quickly dried in time for to change from rain tyres to slicks. "
"Congratulations to the winning drivers and teams - and we’d like to give a big hand to Michigami and Kogure who finished this race after too many bad races this season. We’re looking forward to the next race!”
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