Fascination Super GT

Satoshi Motoyama, 41 and German Michael Krumm, 42, drivers of the no.23 Motul Autech GT-R can be considered to be one of the most experienced and successful driver pairings in the Super GT series. Between them, the pair have won no less than five Super GT/JGTC championships – three for Motoyama and two for Krumm. In 2003, Krumm and Motoyama were JGTC champions, driving the no.23 Motul Autech R34 GT-R. Krumm is also the reigning FIA GT1 champion, winning the series in a Nissan GT-R GT1 with co-driver Lucas Luhr. We spoke to Krumm and Motoyama on a variety of topics including the differences between GT1 and Super GT racing, their return to Le Mans in the dramatic looking Nissan Deltawing and more on the eve of the Sepang race.

OS (Oneshift): Motoyama-san, how does it feel like to drive with Krumm-san once again?

SM (Satoshi Motoyama): Michael is a very good friend so he’s a good partner and the best driver to be paired with.

OS: Michael, how does Super GT compare to the FIA GT1 that you raced last year? Which championship is more competitive?

MK (Michael Krumm): The biggest difference between Super GT and FIA GT1 is that in Super GT, there are two different classes – GT 500 and GT300 which means we have the challenge of traffic all the time, especially in Sepang where the lap is long and there are many fast corners, making it difficult for us to overtake the slower GT300 cars. The straightline speed difference between the GT500 and GT300 cars is not that wide as well. In FIA GT1, there is only one class of car so there isn’t the traffic problem like in Super GT. In terms of competitiveness, the GT500 class in Super GT is more competitive than the FIA GT1 World Championship as there are no amateurs at all in GT500, only full professionals, works drivers, making it quite unique. In GT1, probably half the field are pro drivers while the other half are amateurs.

OS: Tell us how does it feel like to drive the Nissan Deltawing at Le Mans (Motoyama and Krumm will be racing the Deltawing at the Le Mans 24 hours race on 16-17 June)

MK: If you look at the car it looks like a Batmobile or something from outer space but the car feels surprisingly ‘normal’ to drive. It turns in very well. . It is very exciting, it is a completely different concept from the race cars that we are used to – there are no wings attached to it but it’s still very quick on high speed corners. It handles very good and easy to drive.

SM: I haven’t been to Le Mans for 13 years so going back there to drive so I’m very happy and excited to return to Le Mans.

When asked to talk about the rumoured merger between Super GT and Germany’s DTM series, Krumm said, “It will be a great opportunity if it happens in 2014. The talks have been going on many times already in the past but they’ve always stalled. And now it seems to have progressed really well but we don’t know if it’ll happen. It makes sense (for the merger) as the DTM is the only series at the same level with Super GT as it involves only the works drivers and the three big German manufacturers (Audi, BMW and Mercedes) while the Super GT’s GT500 class involves the three big Japanese manufacturers. Putting these manufacturers on the same ‘battlefield’ will certainly make for exciting racing. If it happens it’ll be nice."

“it’s a great idea. It’ll give Nissan the opportunity to race in Europe and for the European manufacturers to race in Japan as well. It’ll certainly make for more exciting racing.” added Motoyama.

The DTM and Super GT coming together to Sepang? That’s certainly a mouth watering prospect for all racing fans and petrol heads alike. Fingers crossed!

Credits: Story by Raymond Lai Photos by Super GT, Nissan and Honda