Kamui Kobayashi scored a point on his Super Formula return for Team KCMG in the penultimate round of the 2021 season at Twin Ring Motegi.
In mixed conditions, Kobayashi slid off the track in qualifying, meaning he started the race in 18th, while Yuji Kunimoto secured 13th on the grid.
Kobayashi then made an incredible start to the race in wet conditions, moving up nine places on the first lap. On a drying track, conditions were difficult to read and the team opted for an early switch to slick tyres. The 2021 Le Mans 24 Hours winner lost a few places in the pit-stop phase, but charged back to finish tenth, scoring a point for KCMG.
2016 Super Formula champion Kunimoto made a mistake on first lap of the race and was catching the pack when a throttle issue caused his engine to stop, ending his afternoon early.
The final round of the 2021 season takes place at Suzuka on 30-31 October.
#7 KAMUI KOBAYASHI
“I’m very pleased to score a point for KCMG. It’s been almost 10 months since my last Super Formula event, but I adapted well to the conditions this weekend. I’m sorry to the team for my mistake in qualifying, they did a brilliant job to fix the car in time for Sunday. I really enjoyed the race, I had a great first lap and overall it just felt amazing to be back. Thanks to the team for being so welcoming and it was incredible to see so many fans braving the weather in the stands!”
#18 YUJI KUNIMOTO
“We were unlucky in qualifying as we decided to be brave and run slick tyres. Unfortunately, after we left the pits the rain returned so we were unable to make it through to Q3. In the race I made an early mistake and lost some places, before my engine cut out due to a throttle problem. It’s disappointing as the car felt good on the laps I completed, and I believe we had a good chance to score points. Hopefully our luck will change in Suzuka and we can end the year on a high.”
TSUGIO MATSUDA TEAM MANAGER
“Firstly, it was great to welcome Kamui back to the team. It’s been a long time since he was with us so we were all pleased to have him here. Kamui made a mistake in qualifying but his recovery was exceptional in the race, making up nine positions on the first lap. We made the early call to bring him in for slicks and then he went on a classic Kamui charge to take tenth and secure a point. Yuji had a frustrating weekend, he was unlucky in qualifying with the rain and then had to retire after just three laps. We’re looking forward to Suzuka and hoping to finish the season in a positive manner.”
For more information about KCMG please visit www.kcmg.com.hk. To keep track of all the latest updates, please like KCMG’s Facebook page or follow on Twitter and Instagram.
Who is KCMG?
KC Motorgroup Ltd (KCMG) is an international motorsport services group established in 2007 by Paul Ip. The group, with its headquarters located in Hong Kong, has operations reaching across the Asia Pacific region. KCMG operates closely with many partner companies and racing organisations around the world to provide unrivalled motorsport services, equipment, team management and quality distribution in the automotive industry. For more information on all of the team’s activities please visit www.kcmg.com.hk or email info@kcmg.com.hk.
