GT-R QUICKEST IN SUPER GT QUALIFYING, Honda HSV-010s on a Misson

2010-06-21 18:17:14 Author: admin Source:

Honda Racing teams are on a mission at Round 4 Super GT Championship in the qualifying and super lap sessions at the Sepang International Circuit. As many as four Honda HSV-010s; ARTA (above left), Raybrig, Weider and Keihin, were amongst the top ten fastest qualifiers for tomorrow's Super GT race.

The qualifying/super lap sessions, however, belonged to Calsonic Impul GT-R's Tsugio Matsuda and Ronnie Quintarelli who scorched the track in the quickest time of 1'57.409 (Super lap time), followed by ARTA's Ralph Firman/Yuji Ide in second and another GT-R of Satoshi Motoyama/Benoit Treluyer grabbed third. Sharing the second row of the grid alongside Motul Autech GT-R (above) was the fastest SC430 machine of Daisuke Ito/Bjorn Wirdheim.in fourth overall.  

Calsonic Impul GT-R's Matsuda and Eneos SC430 Ito battled it out for pole as the last two runners in the final Super lap session. But, the Eneos driver was unable to match Matsuda's time, and thus gave Matsuda his first-ever Super GT pole. 
 

In an earlier specially arranged pit tour and trackside interview by Honda Malaysia, Motorsportchannel.com were privileged to have met with Honda Racing team's engineers Masahiko Matsumoto (above center with Go Suzuki of Honda Malaysia on the left) and Masahito Nakayama to get in-depth prospectives of the HSV-010 and expectations of the Honda Racing teams this weekend.

According to Matsumoto, the HSV-010 was introduced in time to meet last season's Super GT regulations as the legendary NSX GT had already been obsolete. He commented, "We  had to speed up development of the HSV-010 in order to continue our participation and competitiveness as a 'bona-fide' team in Super GT. Also, with the HSV-010, we are on-par with our major competitors and rivals who are already running their new race-spec machines."  

Nakayama, Honda Racing teams' chassis engineer, added, "One of our main objectives this season has been to increase the HSV-010's chassis rigidity. At the rear of the HSV-010,  a longer exhaust, compared to the NSX GT, has been incorporated to improve on overall power and ensure significant exhaust sound."

The Honda Racing teams engineers gave further details of the HSV-010 on almost every core elements from engine to body design. The HSV-010 GT's engine is presented as a front engine and rear-wheel drive machine. Its specifications include the HR10EG code and 3.4-litre V8 powertrain. Combined with the required chassis parts, the HSV-010 presents a sleek and aerodynamically savvy outlook.

By adopting a manifold with 8-4-2-1 layout, the HSV-010 GT team achieved a sensual sound that signifies a Honda.  Due to environmental concerns, the Super GT machine regulations require the machine to be equipped with a catalyzer from this season onwards.

Finally, the HSV-010 GT is inspired by predatory birds in nature as described by Honda Racing, and the vehicle’s image exudes raw power and strength. The protruding rear wing stay is extended to the full limit of the regulations while making use of a short rear overhang. The stay also serves as an exhaust system protector. Add the exhilarating speed, the HSV-010 GT is a testament to Honda’s passion in redefining racing technology.


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