The classic John Hugenholtz designed Suzuka circuit proved a tricky proposition for the GT Radial Eurasia Motorsport team as both of the team’s E1 Motorsports racers had their fair of issues in the fourth round of the championship.
Having shone last time out at Watkins Glen, racing at the home of the Japanese Grand Prix proved to be a trickier challenge for the young Filipino pairing of Inigo Anton and Joaquin ‘Wakkeen’ Garrido, the former recording a best result of eighth in the sprint race, but neither featuring strongly in the main 30-minute event, despite their considerable efforts.
Qualifying underlined the challenge ahead with three-time pole sitter Inigo uncharacteristically outside of the top ten in 13th, just two places ahead of his younger teammate. His Sprint race was dominated by the battle for position with Ayman Aqeem, initially getting the jump to run firmly in the top ten, before being forced to yield seventh position on the final lap of the 15-minute opening event.
The main 30-minute race saw Inigo start in fourth position, battling hard for gains early on but ultimately slipping down the order following another great battle with Aqeem. Having dropped outside of the top ten by mid-distance due to a puncture, the second half of the race was more positive as he worked his way back into eighth place with seven laps to go but ultimately lost out in the closing stages to finish in 11th.
Wakkeen meanwhile rebounded from a DNF in the Sprint race and 25th position on the grid in the main race in style, despite also having to box early on with a puncture. By the end of the opening lap, he gained an impressive 13 places to run in 12th, a position he would ultimately retain to the chequered flag, just behind teammate Inigo.
With four rounds complete, GT Radial Eurasia Motorsport now begin preparations for next Wednesday’s challenge at Aragon, Spain.
Martin Quick, Team Manager
“We struggled in the Sprint race after a difficult qualifying session, but both drivers fought well back in the Main feature race. Wakkeen, in particular, has taken a step forward in this event and we now look forward to Aragon taking on board the lessons learned today at Suzuka.”
