"Already 20 years of admiration for Bridgestone."
Katsumasa Chiyo, Driver (MOTUL AUTECH Z/Bridgestone)
"At the forefront of tyre development competition on the circuit."
Ronnie Quintarelli, Driver (MOTUL AUTECH Z/Bridgestone)
2024 Autobacs SUPER GT Insight
#23 MOTUL AUTECH Z
New Bridgestone Driver Introduction
This year, with the addition of the NISMO team, a remarkable 12 out of 15 GT500 cars will be equipped with Bridgestone POTENZA tyres. We caught up with Nissan's flagship team #23 MOTUL AUTECH Z drivers, Katsumasa Chiyo and Ronnie Quintarelli, to hear their thoughts on the upcoming season and their impressions of Bridgestone POTENZA.
Until last year, both of you were formidable adversaries for Bridgestone. Additionally, Chiyo-san has moved from car #3 to car #23, and your driver combination has changed. You've conducted several tests this season so far; could you tell us about the car's setup and your impressions of the tyres?
Ronnie Quintarelli (RQ): Until last year, we were always rivals, viewing Bridgestone from the opposite side, but we respected its performance. Therefore, I was really excited about the initial Sepang test. A vast range of tyre specifications, including compounds and structures, was provided. Initially, I felt a bit strange about how the tyres warmed up, but afterwards, there were no issues, and the tyre feel was excellent. Whether in Sepang or domestic tests, Bridgestone tyres are stable on long runs, whether it's hot or cold. They can produce fast lap times and maintain that speed over long runs. I was once again impressed.
RQ: When I won the European Championship in karting in 1999, I used Bridgestone tyres, and I also used them throughout the 2002 Kart World Championship. That year, I won three races and ranked second overall. At that time, Bridgestone was involved in F1, and their engineers often came to kart races, so I have known about Bridgestone since I was young. I won the F3 championship in Japan and competed in Formula Nippon, both using Bridgestone tyres. For the past 13 years, I have used rival tyres in SUPER GT, but for kart training, I always used Bridgestone tyres.
Katsumasa Chiyo (Chiyo):
"From Bridgestone's perspective, we must have been troublesome rivals, and we were very aware of Bridgestone's strength. I had no connection with Bridgestone before, but now, after gaining experience in SUPER GT and having competed against them for the title, I am very happy to work with Bridgestone. Until last year, I was well aware of Bridgestone's strengths, but I didn't know the specifics. After running tests during the off-season, I felt their character and realised their technical prowess. There is a lot to learn."
Have you been able to align what you saw from the outside with your actual driving experience?
Chiyo: If you have preconceptions, things don't feel as straightforward, so I didn’t imagine much. I heard many stories from others, but I focused on listening to the engineer from scratch and conveying what I felt while driving. As Ronnie said, Bridgestone tyres have been a dream since I started karting. When I used money from my part-time job to buy new tyres for races, I always looked forward to their grip. Although I never worked with Bridgestone, I've admired their tyres for nearly 20 years. As a rival, I’ve always wanted to try them. In my kart training, I bought and used Bridgestone tyres, and the feeling was similar in GT500.
RQ: That’s true.
Chiyo: I spent quite a lot of time karting. That might be one reason why I adapted to GT500 quickly.
Could you explain a bit more about the character of the tyres?
RQ: They adapt very well to changes in track temperature and conditions. During the official test in Okayama, we did a qualifying simulation and could do time attacks for two consecutive laps, which is very helpful for drivers. Sometimes in qualifying, we don’t have enough practice and have to gamble, so having a second attack available is reassuring. Also, even during long runs, the tyres handle temperature changes well, making them easy to use.
Chiyo: Ronnie’s right about the character. Additionally, the tyres' movements are straightforward and easy to sense. They’re mild without any peaky behaviour, making driving adjustments easy. This contributes to consistent lap times.
You both have your own driving styles. How do you envision developing and racing the car with Bridgestone tyres? For example, Quintarelli is known for aggressively gaining positions early on.
RQ: That applies to Chiyo too!
Chiyo: We both used to be starting drivers, so this year we need to decide who starts. The fact that we can both do it is a strength.
RQ: Yes, this combination will benefit our race strategy. Our driving styles are similar, both of us having an aggressive approach into corners, seeking tyre grip. So far, Bridgestone tyres respond well to our aggressive style. Even as we refine our approach before the season starts, it’s great to have tyres that maintain grip and avoid sudden understeer or oversteer. That’s the best part.
Chiyo: Ronnie and I have very similar driving styles
Chiyo: Ronnie and I have very similar driving styles, car preferences, and setup balance preferences, which has been smooth. The tyres offer great stability under braking. We often joke that we’re good on straights. Although there’s nothing on a straight, corner exits are crucial. At corner exits, where the combined lateral and longitudinal grip shows the tyre’s potential, the car pushes forward. That’s why we excel on straights and can take advantage of them.
With the change of tyre manufacturer, what changes or adjustments were necessary in terms of setup and driving?
RQ: There was no need to change anything specifically due to the new tyres. However, this year the regulations regarding tyre usage during qualifying have changed, so we need to adapt to that.
With the reduction in the number of tyre sets, you will use the same tyres for both Q1 and Q2 in qualifying. This was simulated in official tests as well.
RQ: Yes. The impact of attacking on used tyres was not as significant as we had feared. Until last year, we used new tyres for both Q1 and Q2, which was particularly exciting in Q2 for improving lap times. Chiyo-san and I have always been responsible for Q2, so it's a shame to lose that thrill. In Okayama, Chiyo-san handled Q1 and I took over for Q2. Thanks to Chiyo-san preserving the tyres, there was still some grip left for Q2. I feel Bridgestone tyres have less performance drop-off even when used.
Chiyo: During qualifying, we need to finely tune various elements such as how tyre pressure changes from Q1 to Q2, how to warm up the tyres for Q2, and how the car balance shifts in response to track and temperature changes. We consider the degree of tyre degradation in these aspects, gathering data piece by piece and communicating closely with Bridgestone's tyre engineers. When we convey something, for example, when we say "1," the engineers must understand it as "1." We are currently in the phase of aligning our communications, and with each test, our communication improves, so I believe it will only get better from here.
Up until last year, you both posed significant challenges for us, but now we look forward to working together to maximise the performance of our tyres and cars.
RQ: The biggest change for the team this year is the addition of Chiyo. At the same time, we have switched to Bridgestone tyres. I look forward to standing on the podium with a Bridgestone cap and showing that to the fans.
Chiyo: Now that we are racing together, I hope Bridgestone will continue to be involved in motorsport. I race a lot in Europe, and even there, drivers who used Bridgestone tyres in DTM always say they want to use Bridgestone again. Bridgestone is regarded as the best tyre by Europeans and is recognised worldwide, so I hope they will invest more in motorsports. Of course, I also want to wear the Bridgestone cap on the podium as soon as possible.
RQ: I’ve been racing in Japan for over 20 years, and there is no other race like SUPER GT where tyre manufacturers compete at such a high level. That’s why drivers who come to Japan from overseas always rave about the grip, saying they've never experienced anything like it. Competing while developing excellent tyres and applying that technology to commercial tyres helps grow the brand. I hope fans will come to the circuit to see us compete at the forefront of this effort.
Chiyo: Many people consider Ronnie the most passionate driver in SUPER GT, but I am equally passionate about motorsport. We are fortunate to drive such high-level racing cars, with the involvement of car and tyre manufacturers. That’s why I dedicate all 365 days of the year to racing. Not only Ronnie but the whole team, including Bridgestone, are all aiming for victory in the same direction. The fierce competition drives technological advancements and driver growth. It is tough, but there is no more enjoyable race than this. I will fight with all my passion.