Team KCMG added to its points tally as the 2022 Super Formula season returned to Fuji Speedway, with Yuji Kunimoto putting on an impressive showing to come through the field and finish in eighth place.
Both Kunimoto and ex-F1 driver Kamui Kobayashi got their weekend off to a strong start, with Kobayashi topping the times in Free Practice 2. For Saturday’s qualifying, the track was hit by a passing rainstorm, making it difficult for the drivers to combat the treacherous conditions. Struggling with tyre grip throughout the session, Kunimoto and Kobayashi qualified in 18th and 20th respectively.
Despite multiple incidents during the 40-lap event on Sunday, 2016 Super Formula champion Kunimoto showed strong pace on the 4.563-kilometre circuit to recover to eighth place, moving up 10 positions and into the points. Kobayashi also had great speed throughout the race, pushing forwards to take 14th at the chequered flag.
Super Formula now heads to the Mobility Resort Motegi for a double-header weekend, with Rounds 7 and 8 on 21-22 August.
#7 KAMUI KOBAYASHI
“We had a good run in the race to get into the points paying positions, but unfortunately our tyre advantage disappeared the second time the Safety Car came out. It’s a shame as we had good pace, but now we have to focus on the next round, the penultimate weekend of the season.”
#18 YUJI KUNIMOTO
“I was very happy with our recovery on Sunday, we didn’t have the best qualifying but the pace was good in the race. We performed well and fought without mistakes to move up into the points. We still need to improve the performance of the car but the speed in the race was promising. We’ve now got a double-header coming up at Mobility Resort Motegi. It will be a really important weekend so we’ll look to take it on with confidence.”
TSUGIO MATSUDA TEAM MANAGER
“The wet conditions in qualifying made it difficult for the drivers as they couldn’t get enough grip on track. In the race, Kamui gambled on an early pit stop and made up places, but unfortunately his tyres dropped off late in the latter stages. Yuji also showed excellent speed, he was very competitive and gained plenty of positions. We’ve got two rounds coming up at Mobility Resort Motegi, so we’ll look to be in the best possible position to challenge for more points.”
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.
About 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. This includes the FIA Motorsport Games, where KCMG is the official supplier of hybrid F4 cars, and the KCMG Driver Development Project. For more information on all of the team’s activities please visit www.kcmg.com.hk or email info@kcmg.com.hk
