SGC by KCMG’s aim for its first podium this season was achieved in one of the most exciting rounds of Japanese Formula 3 in Fuji Speedway last weekend. Competing in semi-wet conditions, Gary Thompson and Matt Howson skilfully drove and delivered remarkable results throughout the weekend.
Thompson’s impressive drive during both qualifying sessions secured him 3rd position for Race 1 and made history by qualifying his National Class car in overall pole position, taking lead spot on the grid for Race 2. Meanwhile, Howson was also battling hard for good positions to start on the grid and qualified 5th for Races 1 and 2.
As the race weekend progressed, both drivers had their share of highs and lows in this event of the Japanese championship. Thompson defended his position and finished 3rd overall in Race 1, securing SGC by KCMG’s maiden podium for the season. Howson, who was challenging for 3rd, lost his position after contact with another car which resulted in a non finish.
During Race 2 on Sunday morning, Thompson started from pole position and led the race. A collision during Lap 4 with Takamoto Katsuta caused the 20 year old Irish driver to lose his place but was able to fight back to finish the race in 4th position.
Not deterred by the results from Race 1, Howson came back to the circuit with a positive outlook and took his first Japanese Formula 3 podium after finishing 2ndplace in Race 2. The British driver started fifth on the grid and battled through to a podium position.
Gary Thompson: “We had a difficult start to the weekend, struggling a small bit for pace in Friday testing. Even though it was raining during both qualifying sessions, we managed to take 3rd position for Race 1 and an overall pole for Race 2. This was a great result and a big thank you to the whole team. I’m very happy to have been able to secure our first podium for this season. Also, to start from pole position in Race 2 was quite major for me. I am looking forward to the next race in Motegi and hopefully we’ll be on top of the podium celebrating victory.”
Matt Howson: “Fuji was a big step forward for KCMG and I secured my first podium in Japan! Qualifying was difficult in the wet but we learned a lot and the dry races were very encouraging. I enjoyed dicing with Sasaki and Hiramine for the first half of Race 2, and after Sasaki received a drive-through penalty my second place was secure. We’re much nearer the front so I look forward to Motegi and improving our race pace, great performance by all at KCMG and I thank them for this podium.”
KCMG Japan General Manager, Ryuji Doi is pleased with the progress that the team has made this weekend. Podiums by both Thompson and Howson have validated the effort and hard work that the entire team has dedicated to accomplish these results. Doi-san states, “Though our car still needs improvement, I am happy that we are performing very well in wet conditions. The varying conditions of the circuit this weekend was quite difficult yet we managed to secure our first podiums for both drivers and a record breaking pole position for Gary. We will work harder and continue to push for victory in the next round in Motegi.”
SGC by KCMG has its sight set on victory as the Japanese championship advances to further rounds. The next Japanese Formula 3 event will be held at Twin Ring Motegi on August 4-5.
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