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Super GT Okayama, race report: a successful first race weekend in Super GT for Cyndie Allemann

Super GT Okayama, race report: a successful first race weekend in Super GT for Cyndie Allemann
1 Apr, 2012

Where: Okayama, Japan. When: 2012-04-01. Author: Cyndie Allemann Team.

Despite challenging weather conditions and some technical issues with the tires, the first race weekend in Japanese Super GT for Cyndie Allemann turned out to be a success with a 9th place finish in the GT300 class, in a 25-car field. This excellent first experience did not go unnoticed with the numerous observers and fans present at Okayama International Circuit.

“First race weekend and first race experience for me in the Super GT series. I find it more and more interesting to work with team on the development. Slowly but surely, the team is starting to gel as a unit, they understand me and my driving style, so on this side of things, it was a positive weekend. Otherwise, the weekend was more difficult in terms of weather conditions with rain, sun, snow… The pressure was surely on.”

Furthermore, the Swiss had the honor of taking the start of the race, an experience that is always quite intense in Super GT with its hectic fields.

“Today was very cool because I got to take the start, like at Le Mans. Making the race start is always a good experience to me. I made a good start, and in the first few laps, I was able to gain one position and reach 11th spot. Afterwards, since we have a tire wear issue, I tried to keep my pace at a certain rhythm, to avoid wearing the tire too much. After a one-hour run, I handed the car back to my teammate in 11th position. We then took more spots to finish in 9th position, which is very positive for a first weekend in Super GT, especially in those conditions with our tire problems. I hope that at the next race, we’re able to work on our weak points and break the top-6.”

At the end, her stint was a complete success, even though it was not a walk in the park.

“Everything went well – of course, there was a minor contact, but this is racing. The GT500 cars are very aggressive in their passing maneuvers since they’re so much faster than us, so they kind of rule on track – I felt like I was back at Le Mans where I had manage traffic. The positive element is that I have to focus on several points at the same time: my driving, my points of reference, keep a fast rhythm and defend my position in my class.”

Having quickly become the fan favorite in Japan, Cyndie only has good words on her experience with the Japanese fans, but also with her team.

“One thing that impressed me was the fact that the grandstands were full – it had been a long time since I raced in front of so many people. It is very good to see that motor racing is well appreciated in Japan, with so many fans, especially many fans who support me and want autographs. It is very promising for the future. Otherwise, I really want to thank the team Hitotsuyama Racing and Zent, as well as my teammate Aki for his support, and the help of the whole team and mechanics, who are also very nice. So a big thanks to them.”

Related photos:

Related press release (downloadable .doc file):

About Cyndie Allemann

Cyndie Allemann: a World class driver, top athlete and brand ambassador. Always a fan favorite, whether in Europe, in the USA and now in Japan, 26 years old Cyndie Allemann was literally born for speed.

Her 19-year racing career has seen her compete at the highest levels in many different series and tracks around the World: karting (winning the European junior title when she was only thirteen), open-wheel (EuroF3, Indy Lights, etc.), GT (FIA-GT1 World Championship) and endurance racing (GT1 podium at Spa in the Le Mans Series, 24 Hours of Le Mans, etc.). In 2012, she races in the Japan Super GT Series with the Hitotsuyama Racing team on the Audi R8 LMS.

For more info on Cyndie or to follow her, visit her web site, her Facebook fan page and follow her on Twitter at:

About the Super GT series

Born 20 years ago under the name of All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC), the Super GT is the most prestigious auto racing GT series in Japon and Asia. With its two classes (GT300 and GT500), Super GT races are highly competitive with more than 40 regular car entrants. The series is authorized by the FIA and many teams get official support from car manufacturers.

For more info on the Super GT series, visit the series web site at:

 

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