Suzuka 1000km Pre-Event Report: On-Track Dynamics and Key Performances
Harmony Racing’s duo, Lorenzo Patrese and Dennis Marschall, showcased strong performances in the lead-up to the 49th annual Suzuka 1000km, with both drivers leading in different on-track sessions. The #21 Ferrari 296 GT3, dubbed the “Ramen Rocket,” clocked the fastest time during the second Paid Test Session and excelled in the official Night Practice.
In mixed weather conditions, which included early rain, the second Paid Test saw Patrese set a lap of 2:02.101, outpacing his nearest competitor by six-tenths. Thomas Neubauer in the #555 Maezawa Racing Ferrari followed with a lap of 2:02.677, while Yuya Motojima secured third in the #500 Team 5Zigen Nissan with a 2:02.884.
Test Session 1 highlighted 25-year-old Reimei Itō, who clinched the top time of 2:01.549 in the Bronze class Ferrari. Neubauer was second, with Kelvin van der Linde from Team WRT’s BMW M4 GT3 EVO completing the top three at 2:01.686.
Early red flags interrupted Night Practice due to a minor off-track incident involving Maezawa’s Ferrari and a catastrophic engine failure in Johor Motorsports’ #99 Corvette, which ended with the driver safe but the car damaged. Despite these setbacks, Marschall emerged with the fastest lap of the day at 2:01.534, just ahead of teammate Giancarlo Fisichella in the #60 LM Corsa Ferrari (2:01.564).
Night Practice concluded with a Ferrari 1-2, as Laurens Vanthoor in the #7 Absolute Porsche secured third with a time of 2:01.635. Alexander Sims positioned fourth in the #2 JMR Corvette (2:01.718) while Harry King rounded out the top five in the #61 EBM GIGA Porsche.
The upcoming Pre-Qualifying Practice is set to take place at 10:45 AM JST, followed by a three-stage Qualifying at 5:05 PM JST, where teams will finalize the grid for the prestigious race.
Both sessions will be broadcasted live on the GT World YouTube Channel, providing comprehensive coverage for fans and teams alike.
Upcoming Schedule:
- Pre-Qualifying Practice: 10:45 AM JST (1:45 AM GMT)
- Qualifying: 5:05 PM JST (8:05 AM GMT)
Images © SRO / Gruppe C Photography
