Hirate wins Formula Nippon Round 3 at Fuji19/07/2010

Second Formula Nippon win for Hirate

The third round of the Formula Nippon Championship took place at the Fuji Speedway on Sunday 18 July in front of 19,000 excitable spectators.  Mobil1 Team Impul driver, Kohei Hirate, led the race from the start after pole sitter Loic Duval (Docomo Team Dandelion Racing) stalled his engine, handing Hirate his second ever Formula Nippon win.    

Saturday’s qualifying at Fuji was extremely hot, following the area’s recent rainy season, though this did not prevent Duval from returning to good form and setting the fastest time for pole position. Second on the grid was Hirate, followed by Nakajima Racing driver Takashi Kogure.      

Unfortunately Duval’s run of good form did not carry over into Sunday’s race as he stalled his engine at the start line. Hirate took advantage of the situation and grabbed the lead, whilst Andre Lotterer (Petronas Team Tom's) moved swiftly from fourth position into second. A battle between Lotterer and do Oliveira (Mobil1 Team Impul) ensued which was the highlight of the event, however de Oliveira pushed too hard and damaged his tyres reducing his pace with over half the race still remaining. Hirate led from start to finish, with Lotterer clinched second and de Oliveira third.  

Bridgestone tyres were fantastic in Fuji

“My car was fantastic. I have to say ‘ thank you’ to my team. I really do not understand why my competitors got close to me as my Bridgestone tyres were fantastic; they gave me good grip from start to finish.” 
Mobil1 Team Impul driver, Kohei Hirate  

Bridgestone tyres performed consistently

“I would like to say congratulations to Mr. Hoshino and his team for their second consecutive win. It was the perfect race for Hirate. It was hot at Fuji and there were high track temperatures but the Bridgestone tyres showed consistent performance and lap times. We supported interesting battles in a good race here in Fuji.”
Bridgestone senior adviser, Yasuo Teranishi