The 2016 Subaru BRZ GT300 had some extreme highs and also extreme lows this weekend in round one of the SUPER GT race. The BRZ GT300 qualified in fourth place Saturday in SUPER GT in the first round at Okayama Speedway. The sports coupe even had the second fastest time in a practice session. Things were looking good as the BRZ started the race, but the team still came away with a disappointing finish in the first round at the Okayama International Circuit.
Subaru’s BRZ GT300 finished a disappointing 23rd yesterday in the first round of the SUPER GT Series. Both drivers were feeling confident after a good practice and qualifying round. The BRZ with Iguchi behind the wheel had a clean start but gradually fell back to 14th place as the faster cars were able to pass the BRZ sports coupe.
Iguchi worked this way up two spots to 12th before turning over the driving to Yamauchi in the second half of the race. After a pit stop to get new tires, the team was given a drive-through penalty and slipped back to 25th place as the BRZ re-entered the race track.
Yamaguchi was only able to work his way up to 23rd place as the checkered flag came out to end the race. It was a disappointing day and STI team director Eiji Tatsumi says he isn’t sure what went wrong. After practice and qualifying, it looked as though the 2016 Subaru BRZ was ready for a strong outing. Tatsumi thinks the new tire set-up and chassis settings may be the culprit. The STI team will make the needed adjustments before the next race. Next up is round two at Fuji Speedway May 3. Stay tuned.
Source: Subaru Motorsports
Image source: Subaru