In March, the 2022 season of motor sports is regarding to begin, and the structure of each team is regarding to solidify.
Meanwhile,Super GTWhenSuper formulaParticipating in both sides “KONDO RACINGOn the 2nd, the news that a press release will be made came in and I went to the interview.
■ Now in the corner of a strong team
The venue we were guided to was a live space in Toyosu, Tokyo.As we all know, KONDO RACING is a talentMasahiko KondoIs a privateer team that is the owner and director, and the interview was held before his live performance there. Many fans were gathering around the venue even though it was two hours before the performance started.
It was an easy-to-imagine sight for me of the same generation who knew the era of top idols. That’s why, when she made her debut as a driver, she had the view that “following all, it’s a temporary hobby for entertainers. It’s not suitable for a serious battle …”. But it’s almost a misunderstanding. Moreover, since she started to lead KONDO RACING as a director, her racing activities have become more active.
On the other hand, it is also a fact that we might not get good results for a while. However, the team continued to evolve steadily. From the latter half of the 2010s, results began to appear in the top category, and in 2018 he won the Super Formula team title. In 2020, he won the title in the Super GT 300 class. It is now one of the strongest teams.
■ Masahiko Kondo “I can definitely run for the victory this season”
This press conference is regarding Super Formula. It was announced that Realize Corporation, which originally sponsors two Super GTs, will support KONDO RACING in Super Formula from this season. Director Kondo unveiled a machine with new coloring and said, “I met a new machine and now I feel fresh. I’m thrilled. With strong support, the strongest driver and the strongest engineer will be available this season. There is no doubt that we can run toward the championship, “he said with enthusiasm.
2022 SF19 unveiled (C) Toshiyuki Maeda
Except for the engine being supplied by two manufacturers, Toyota and Honda, it is easy to think that the driver’s ability is squeezing most of the team’s strength in the one-make Super Formula, but that is not the case at all. It’s a very tough battle, whether it’s the top or the bottom with a slight setting difference, and it’s a serious game for all the team staff from Friday to Sunday until the checkered. This comment by Director Kondo, who has been fighting for a long time under such circumstances, was very powerful.
Continue to participate from the 2020 seasonKenta Yamashita、Sacha FenestrazBoth of them are notable drivers who have stepped up following becoming the All Japan F3 Champion. According to Kondo, the mutual aspirations of the two young people are bringing new evolution to the team. Unfortunately, Sascha was only able to participate in the last two races last season due to the corona sickness, and he might not fully demonstrate his power. The speed of the two is acknowledged by the people concerned, and I am very much looking forward to what kind of race they will show this season.
Director Masahiko Kondo (left) of KONDO RACING and guitarist Yoshio Nomura Two people (C) Toshiyuki Maeda who once formed a part of “Tanokin Trio”
At the same time, the announcement was made regarding future talent activities, so most of the press gathered were related to entertainment. How will they be told regarding Kondo’s enthusiasm for racing and his desire to increase the number of race fans by doing interesting races, and how will they be reported? There is no doubt that Kondo, who has the highest name recognition in the racing world, holds the key to pushing motorsports into major sports in Japan. In that sense as well, I want him to continue his passion for racing.
◆ Nissan / NISMO Announces 2022 Motorsport Activity Plan
◆[Mitsubishi Ralliart Masashi]Looking back on the dawn of the 1st brand revival declaration
Author profile
Toshiyuki Maeda ● Motorsports Writer
We started to cover domestic and overseas motor sports from the beginning of 2002, and this year marks the 20th year. Contributed to many media such as Nikkan Gendai. The book is “ARRIVAL POINT (Nikkan Gendai Publishing)” and others, which depicts the story of the 2005 champion of Formula Nippon. Currently, in addition to motor sports, he also covers and writes bicycle races and bicycle products.
