Super Formula’s intense sixth round saw KC Motorgroup Ltd. (KCMG) steadily gain ground on one of Japan’s most technical circuits over the weekend. Richard Bradley got off to a strong start at Sportsland Sugo on Sunday and persevered to deliver a promising performance amidst multiple safety car periods and collisions in the field.
Bradley’s impressive drive took him from 19th to 5th position on race day. Ultimately, the British driver had to retire from the race after a collision on Lap 26.
After qualifying in 19th position on the starting grid, the international motorsport group was determined to round off the race weekend with a breakthrough result. Bradley made a superb start in Sunday’s race and gradually climbed up the leaderboard.
The safety car was first called out to the circuit after Kohei Hirate of P.MU/Cerumo-Inging crashed at Sugo’s SP1 corner on Lap 3. Bradley made a quick pit stop to refuel during the safety car period and rejoined the race in 17th position. Just as the safety car was withdrawn from the track, Team Impul’s JP Oliveira collided with Ryo Hirakawa of Kygnus Sunoco, bringing the safety car back into action.
After the second restart, Bradley blazed to the front of the field and was up to 5th position. The British driver maintained excellent pace, dropping only three places after several laps. Unfortunately, Bradley spun off at the exit of SP2 corner on Lap 26 and had to retire from the race.
Richard Bradley, KCMG Super Formula Driver: “It was a very positive race for me up until the accident as we were comfortably running at the front. We were pulling away from the train of cars behind us even though it was my first time in Super Formula at this circuit. There was some great team work involved and we pulled out all the stops and showed fantastic race pace. This gives me great confidence heading into the next race at Suzuka as we keep getting better and better.”
Ryuji Doi, KCMG Japan General Manager: “We started the race strongly and was defending 5th place for several laps. We’ve made significant progress over the weekend and that feat is something that gives the team renewed confidence. Collisions are typical in races and this incident does not dampen our hopes for a better result at Suzuka.”
The team is looking forward to Super Formula’s next event at Suzuka Circuit on November 9-10. To find out more about Super Formula, visit www.superformula.net
Interact with Richard Bradley and know more about Super Formula by checking out his posts on the KCMG blog; visit www.kcmg-blog.com.
For more information about KCMG, visit www.kcmg.com.hk. To keep track of latest updates, please like KCMG’s Facebook page or follow @KCMotorgroup on Twitter.
