2023 Japanese Super GT

[J Jay]

I'd be cautious about this at first - remember the grand plans there were for Class 1 until it came to the finer details...

The only way this comes to pass is if Honda/Toyota push for greater integration with any of the hypercar rulesets. LMDh are the obvious candidates for a series which is continually in a development arms race with its entrants.

[TF110]

It only pertains to the hybrids and how they're implemented. So the hypercar way is custom hybrids and the lmdh way is standard parts. So what direction does GT500 go? If costs are a concern and they feel like it'll explode upwards then a standard hybrid it is. If not then maybe we see custom units (which I'd prefer).

[pimmy]

Quite an enjoyable race at the weekend, but when aren't they?

The coverage sorely needs some good English commentary though. Some gems from Jake Sanson yesterday:

- Suzuka broke ground in 1986 and opened in 1987. (Because circuits don't exist before F1 visits, do they?)
- The race started in single file. (Completely ignoring the fact the race started with the same 1x1 staggered formation that the Japanese have been using for decades)
- Headlights reflecting off standing water on the track after a few drops of rain. (Nothing to do with the smooth, rubbered-in part of the track then?)

[TF110]

Amateur commentary (pertaining to Super GT) is a letdown for such great racing.

[J Jay]

Unfortunately, the international audience is an afterthought to GTA, and that's trickled down to Motorsports TV. The only chance of better commentary is if someone more competent outbids them.

Suzuka was a great race by the way. I think Alesi could do with not biting the hand that feeds him but that victory was a long time coming.

[Matador]

Originally Posted by J Jay

Unfortunately, the international audience is an afterthought to GTA, and that's trickled down to Motorsports TV. The only chance of better commentary is if someone more competent outbids them.

Suzuka was a great race by the way. I think Alesi could do with not biting the hand that feeds him but that victory was a long time coming.

Yeah, comments were a touch on the arrogant side weren't they?

[TF110]

Civic GT500 takes the win at Fuji. FIA GT3's take top 5 in GT300 class. Wish there was a way to watch these races.

[J Jay]

Originally Posted by TF110

Civic GT500 takes the win at Fuji. FIA GT3's take top 5 in GT300 class. Wish there was a way to watch these races.

There are a couple ... either hunt for questionably legal Japanese streams or pay for the "privilege" of Motorsport.tv. Unfortunately, JAF don't see any value in an international audience.

[TF110]

Originally Posted by J Jay

There are a couple ... either hunt for questionably legal Japanese streams or pay for the "privilege" of Motorsport.tv. Unfortunately, JAF don't see any value in an international audience.

Maybe not on the media side, but they're going back to Sepang next year!

[J Jay]

Originally Posted by TF110

Maybe not on the media side, but they're going back to Sepang next year!

I was very happy to hear that - Sepang is a great circuit (one of Tilke's best).

In more good news, the qualifying formats have been amended in response to the teams' concerns: new tyres are allowed for Q1/Q2; GT300 Q1 is now for all entrants, with Q2 being split based on times.

[helgi]

Originally Posted by TF110

Wish there was a way to watch these races.

With no proper tech comments that won't be any sense. "Just another GT3" for most part of the viewers that are full with this type of racing. I can not name any modern commentators who are really interested in tech side and are able to tell the listeners about it. Maybe some SCCA streams are close to that, but it's club racing only.

[TF110]

When Sam Collins did commentary for the Nissan provided streaming, he explained in some detail about the cars in both classes and often mentioned their relative pace to other series like the WEC.

[TheNo1F1Fan]

Man I miss Sam Collins so much.

[helgi]

At Fuji #36 gained some positions thanks to side drafting which has a very strong effect in GT500. #36 has 2 stage fuel restrictor, and low straight line speed with it. And side drafting helps a lot as it slows down the leading car (while side interval is about at 1/8th of the car widths and nose of the second car is somewhere at the B-pillar of the leader). Looks like drag of the leading car increases a lot due to higher pressure at front while the second car benefits from some drag reduction as in case of usual draft.

[TF110]

The Toyota's advantage is apparent. The Supra is consistent in all weights. Even with the fuel restrictions and success ballast it's able to score points.