SGC by KCMG accomplished a successful two-day Formula Nippon test last November 19-20 at Fuji Speedway with two of the Hong Kong-based racing team’s Japanese Formula 3 frontrunners, Gary Thompson and Matt Howson. After given a rare opportunity to sample a much advanced Formula car, Thompson and Howson both displayed impressive potential as they conquered Fuji’s 4.56km circuit over the span of two days.
After conducting a series of set-up and development work, Thompson and Howson did not disappoint the team as they progressed throughout the test and emerged with strong results. So far, Thompson and Howson consider this break as the highlight of their racing career. The recent test in Fuji opens doors that can possibly lead to a huge breakthrough for both drivers’ higher pursuit in motor racing.
British driver Matt Howson admits that to participate in this post season test with SGC by KCMG in Japan’s leading single-seater series has been a realization of a long-time dream. He states that his maiden Formula Nippon outing to test was a learning and unique experience.
Howson recalls, “My Formula Nippon debut was a bittersweet experience – I had the incredible feeling of power and grip this car has, but for a number of reasons I was too cramped in the car and could not do many laps without back and neck pain. They are physical cars, and I prepared for many months, but this was a case of a tall driver in too small a space! Despite this I managed 4 runs of around 3 laps and posted a 1.26.7 which was only 0.3 slower than fellow rookie and Indycar driver Jean-Karl Vernay. With just two more runs I would have been faster than this. So I am happy I proved my potential in so few laps, and disappointed I couldn’t show my full potential over 2 hours. I will now focus on next season racing in Japan with KCMG and my next Nippon test will involve modified pedals and a comfier and faster experience! A huge thank you again to KCMG and Toyota for the opportunity.”
Irish victor, Gary Thompson, who is not foreign to Formula Nippon’s powerful machine states that the test in Fuji firmly sets his goals further. “I’d like to say a big thank you to SGC by KCMG for giving me the opportunity to test over the last two days. I’ve really enjoyed myself and it has been a great experience for me as a driver. I hope that it has helped the team with the setup and development of the car. It’s certainly a car that I want to race in the future.”
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