In Round 8 held at Motegi on Sunday 21 August Ren Sato earned four points by starting in 10^th and finishing 7^th.

Ren Sato, Driver No. 53

“I got a good start in Round 8 and managed to improve my position, but during running I created a flat spot on the right front tyre.

This caused some vibration, but I could retain my pace and we set a strategy to run a longer stint which worked out well as I was able to finish 7^th.

Looking back at Round 8 I certainly felt I needed to be closer to the front of the starting grid for the race.  Now we will do all we can as a team to ensure we prepare well for Suzuka and give ourselves the best opportunity to secure a podium.”

Masashi Yamamoto, Team Director

“Ren qualified 10^th for Round 8 on Sunday with a time of 30.750 seconds placing the No. 53 car in a position where we could compete for a good result.  In warm-up, using the set-up based on the previous day’s performance, we found a good direction which enabled Ren to make a good start in the race and gradually improve our position.

Ren’s race pace was good so we set our strategy to stay out long and at the end use up the OTS (Overtake System), but unfortunately Ren couldn’t overtake Sacha (Fenestraz).  The race itself was good, but our challenge is clear and that’s to qualify higher up the grid, so we’ll be ready for the final two rounds at Suzuka.”

Ryan Dingle, Engineer No. 53

“We did uncover some good findings which we were able to make good use of in Round 8’s race and Ren Sato had a good race pace.  He didn’t lose any positions at the start and I think he did well to hold off Matsushita on the second lap and keep his position; it was a clean race and also good from a strategic point of view.  Our next rounds are to be held in Suzuka, which is another circuit with different characteristics, but we will prepare well to make good use of what we learned here at Motegi.  Suzuka will be a double-header format again, but our aim is to be on the podium from the first race.”