SUBARU BRZ GT300 finishes first test
Following the cancellation of a test because of snowfall on the previous day, R&D SPORT brought their BRZ GT300 back to Fuji Speedway on Saturday 18 February for its first test run. Despite a low temperature of 4°C, it was a clear day and the shakedown was carried out a day later than scheduled.
Hideharu Tatsumi, Deputy General Manager of STI Motorsport Project Office, which developed the car, said, "We developed the BRZ GT300 aiming to take advantage of SUBARU's characteristically low centre of gravity", and when the car emerged from the garage, its low form attracted much attention. Painted in SUBARU's theme colour of WR Blue, the BRZ GT300, with its characteristic BOXER engine sound, speeded around the Fuji Speedway circuit.
R&D SPORT Team Director Shinji Motojima said, "The development and engineering capabilities of SUBARU / STI have created a wonderful car. We have to make full use of it to get good results, which will undoubtedly put us under more pressure than last year. The regulation has changed a little for this year to allow for a larger restrictor diameter. So, I expect races with faster top speeds. This year's challenge for the 2-litre turbo BRZ is how competitive it can be against cars with larger displacements on a straight. However, we have the advantage in cornering and braking performance, so we need different strategies depending on the circuits. We'll compete this season while solving problems one after the other. I hope for everyone's support for the season."
Tetsuya Yamano's comment:
"This season, how we fight in the BRZ, which is at the centre of attention, and how we develop it are important. While feeling a very strong sense of responsibility, I predict the start of the season to be very tough. Making the most of the BRZ's low centre of gravity, I would like to specifically demonstrate its cornering speed. I want to make sure that we finish on the podium at SUGO, Motegi, Suzuka, and Autopolis where there are many corners. I'll be competing together with the same teammate as last year, so I don't have any worries. We'll do our best to develop the car and to fight for a podium. I would like everyone to support us."
Kouta Sasaki's comment:
"Representing SUBARU, I'll work hard. I'm determined to boost SUBARU's challenge with the BRZ as it is a new car. The car certainly looks cool, so our mission is to match speed with appearance. I believe that'll result in a flood of BRZs around town. In this sense, I feel a lot is riding on our shoulders. All of us on the team will do our best."
