MUGEN

2012.09.11

"MUGEN CR-Z" SUPER GT

Eventually on the podium at 3rd participation!

Series name: 2012 AUTOBACS SUPER GT SERIES ROUND 6
Event name: FUJI GT 300km RACE
Course: 4.563km × 66 laps (301.158km)
Qualifying: 2012-09-08 sat / Fine / Attendance 18,200 (Announcement from the organizer)
Race: 2012-09-09 sun / Fine / Attendance 33,800 (Announcement from the organizer)

Having made its debut at the 4th round of the 2012 Series held at SPORTSLAND SUGO, July 28/29, the FUJI GT 300km RACE was just the third event for the MUGEN CR-Z GT.

In the time attack format of the qualifying race the MUGEN CR-Z GT took full advantage of the characteristics of the hybrid system to qualify in 3rd place, and in the race maintained its position with the leading group throughout to finish in 3rd place without any serious issues. Since its debut, MUGEN CR-Z GT has already earned a pole position in the previous race, and now, with this race, a podium finish.

█ Race 3rd place (61st lap: 1hr 47min 37.911sec / Best time: 1min 42.997sec)

The race started under a clear sky and Hideki Muto, as customary, took the first driver stint. With a controlled rolling start MUTO retained the 3rd place for a while before gaining 2nd place after a slippage of the top machine. However, with a set-up on the car that was biased towards cornering performance rather than straight-line speed, MUGEN CR-Z GT lost the position back to 3rd place at Dunlop Corner. MUTO held 3rd place up to the scheduled pit stop on lap 31. At the pit stop rear tires were exchanged and the car refueled, along with a driver change to NAKAJIMA. A fast turnaround in the pit stop put NAKAJIMA back out on the circuit in the leading position.
A tight race between #16, #33 and, #31 then ensued, with NAKAJIMA swapping between 2nd and 3rd positions. By lap 60 NAKAJIMA lay in a solid 3rd position which he held until the chequered flag. #16 MUGEN CR-Z GT proudly took its first podium finish in just its 3rd GT300 race.

█ Comments: Team director Junichi Kumakura

We could not take part in the joint test because we had to spend time resolving the drive-train issues experienced at Suzuka 1,000km event. A full strip-down revealed many more worn parts needed replacing than previously anticipated and so the transmission had to be fully rebuilt. At the same time a fresh engine was installed along with a modified cooling system to improve cooling efficiency. However, having dealt with some of the weaker points identified at the Suzuka 1,000km race, the team had an increased level of confidence for a solid performance going into this event.

Our strategy for qualifying was to take full advantage of the characteristics offered by the hybrid system and we concentrated all our energies on the 1st lap of the time attack. The result was the driver was able to post a better time than originally might have been expected.

I would say it was the perfect race. We put all our effort and knowledge gained from the two previous events into it, and we could lead the race and achieve a better result than we expected by exploiting the current potential of our machine. Although we went into the race with some slight concerns over the durability of some parts, in the end our fears proved to be unfounded.

We are hoping for an even better result at the next race at AUTO POLIS; the #16 MUGEN CR-Z GT is already strong in cornering, and the circuit elevation changes should enable us to effectively utilize the benefits that the hybrid assist system has to offer.

♦ Photo Gallery (Round6)