Stephane
Sarrazin gets first taste of SUPER GT machinery |
Contesting the World
Rally Championship (WRC) with the Subaru World Rally Team this
season, as well as being an active part of the American Le Mans
Series (ALMS) and the Le Mans 24 Hours with Aston Martin Racing,
CRM driver Stephane Sarra zin
visited Japan recently for a variety of events related to Subaru.
He was in the country from July 26th to 30th.
July 27th saw the French driver make a surprise visit to Twin
Ring Motegi to take part in a SUPER GT Official joint test. Stephane
drove the CUSCO RACING entry, the GT300-class #77 CUSCO SUBARU
ADVAN IMPREZA. Regular drivers Katsuo Kobayashi and Tatsuya Tanigawa
were both impressed by Stephane’s pace in what was a positive
outing for the team. (The test was held on the following day,
the 28th)
In addition, Sarrazin also visited the Fuji Heavy Industries,
Ltd Utsunomiya plant on the same day, receiving a warm welcome
from all the staff, and getting an interesting look at the sprawling
facility.
July 29th saw Stephane move to Toyama for the SUBARU WRC FESTA
in Hokuriku as a guest driver. His thoroughly enjoyable five-day
visit saw Sarrazin conduct demo runs, appear on a talk show, sign
autographs and make the acquaintance of many Subaru fans.
Stephane Sarrazin:
"This is my fourth time in Japan. On this visit, I’ve received
the warm hospitality of the Japanese and have had a really wonderful
time here. The Japanese food was delicious, and I find I love
Japan more and more every time I’m here. With the next round of
the WRC (Round 9, Rallye Deutschland, August 11-13) I unfortunately
am unable to stay here any longer. I would love to spend more
time here if I had the opportunity."
"My drive
at Twin Ring Motegi was a first for me. However, it is a good
circuit and I was able to enjoy myself right away. If my feedback
to the team is even a little useful, I would be very happy. Regarding
SUPER GT, I already know how exciting it is from what Erik has
told me - and because I always watch it on TV in Europe.
The day when I also participate will come in the future. However,
my main target for the time being is to win the WRC. I appreciate
your continued support."
