The Round 2 for the 2013 Super GT is not like any other rounds as this is where the 500km Fuji GT race takes place at the Fuji Speedway. With the participants having to complete 110 laps around the 4.563km circuit, the battle saw a fierce competition between four Lexus SC430 rushing for supremacy in the GT500 class.
The second longest race in the Super GT series started in a fine weather with Kazuki Nakajima in the PETRONAS TOM’S SC430 leading the pack from pole position. But trailing close was three more SC430s; DENSO KOBELCO SC430, ZENT CERUMO SC430 and ENEOS SUSTINAS SC430, giving constant pressure throughout the race.
Although PETRONAS TOM’S SC430 lost the lead to the DENSO KOBELCO SC430 in the middle stage of the race, the swift driver change and pit work completed their formula in winning the race. This is both Nakajima and second driver James Rossiter their first-ever win in the GT500 class.
Over in the GT300 class, it was the hybrid car showdown as the Panasonic apr PRIUS GT piloted by Morio Nitta was challenged by Hideki Mutoh and Yuhki Nakayama in the MUGEN CR-Z GT. Although the Panasonic apr PRIUS GT started from 5th position on the grid, it made an impressive final moment push to appear up front and taking the first Super GT victory for the Prius. This win also extended Nitta’s record for most wins by a driver in the GT300 class to 18.
Feel the heat building up? You really should as the next 2013 Super GT round is blazing up on our home turf at Sepang International Circuit this coming June! We will be back for more information on that, so do stay where you are.
