2024 Autobacs SUPER GT Insight

#3 Niterra MOTUL Z ; NISMO NDDP

New Bridgestone Driver Introduction

Bridgestone Motorsport
SUPER GT

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"We're going all out for sheer speed."
Mitsunori Takaboshi, Driver (Niterra MOTUL Z/Bridgestone)

"I aim to apply everything I've learned to achieve greater speed."
Atsushi Miyake, Driver (Niterra MOTUL Z/Bridgestone)

 

In 2022 and 2023, #3 Niterra MOTUL Z fiercely competed for the championship until the final races, securing 2nd place in the series rankings for two consecutive years. Starting this year, they will challenge the new season with Bridgestone tyres. We spoke with ace driver Takaboshi, who leads the team, and Miyake, who makes his GT500 debut as a new addition, about their enthusiasm for the upcoming season opening.

NISMO NDDP

Machine: #3 Niterra MOTUL Z

Class: GT500

Driver:
Mitsunori Takaboshi
Atsushi Miyake

Q: As we approach the new season, please share your current thoughts and feelings.

 

Mitsunori Takaboshi (hereinafter, Takaboshi):

Until last year, I never imagined I would end up wearing Bridgestone tyres myself, considering we were fierce rivals. From Bridgestone's perspective, we were complete rivals, pushing each other to the limit. I believe fans enjoyed watching that rivalry, so in that sense, I'm thrilled we could showcase the excitement of racing.

 

Atsushi Miyake (hereinafter, Miyake):

Car number 3 has shown its strength by competing for the title for two consecutive years. While it's crucial for me to drive fast, I also want to use this season to deepen my knowledge beyond driving fast, such as in car and tyre development, which I haven't experienced before.

ACE DRIVER TAKABOSHI HAVE BEEN WITH BRIDGESTONE SINCE THE ALL JAPAN KART CHAMPIONSHIP

Takaboshi: Since my karting days, Bridgestone has always been dominant, so if you want results, it's always been Bridgestone. I've always had this idea of Bridgestone's strength planted since my karting days, but since moving to four wheels, I've never had the chance to wear their tyres, which honestly felt like a disadvantage. However, not wearing Bridgestone tyres has taught me a lot, so in that sense, it's been a valuable experience.

Miyake:

I raced with Bridgestone in karts as well, but in other four-wheel categories, I struggled with Bridgestone, which combines both single-lap and long-run speed in tyre development competitions, and I often couldn't match them. I've always held the image that they are the strongest tyres.

 

Q: TAKABOSHI, YOU’VE BEEN A LEADING COMPETITOR AMONG THE RIVALS, BUT NOW THAT YOU’VE TESTED WITH BRIDGESTONE TYRES, WHAT IMPACT HAS IT HAD ON CAR DEVELOPMENT AND DRIVING?

Takaboshi:

There’s definitely been an impact. Each tyre manufacturer has its own strengths, or to put it more clearly, each tyre has its own character. We’re still getting used to the new tyres, and making them work well with our car has been tricky. In terms of driving, I need to learn how to bring out the peak performance of the tyres. Last year, my partner Chiyo-san and I had slightly different driving styles, which sometimes led us to find a middle ground when setting up the car. It might not have been perfect for either of us, but we worked closely with the engineers to find a setup that wasn’t too far off from what we both needed.

Q: THIS YEAR, CHIYO IS DRIVING CAR NO. 23, MAKING HIM SOMEWHAT OF A RIVAL. WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO CAR DEVELOPMENT THIS SEASON?

 

Takaboshi:

I place a great emphasis on outright speed. While I understand the importance of long runs in SUPER GT, starting from the front grid allows us to control the race as we intend, so I’m always focused on securing a good position in qualifying. I’ve had this mindset since my days as a development driver with NDDP, where my then-manager, Masahiro Hasemi, taught me, “Prioritise speed. People follow speed.” However, I don’t openly showcase this passion or determination, as keeping it under wraps is another aspect of my approach.

MIYAKE HAVE SHOWN GREAT SUCCESS IN SUPER FORMULA & HAVE ALSO COMPETED IN GT300

Miyake: Bridgestone won the title in GT300 last year and was a formidable rival, especially in long runs. I’ve gathered a lot of information from observing and from what others have told me. My focus, however, is to approach things without any preconceived notions. There’s so much to learn, and I want to contribute valuable feedback to the team with a fresh mindset.

Q: WE ASK DRIVERS WHO START USING BRIDGESTONE TYRES EACH YEAR—HOW HAS THE TYRE CHANGE IMPACTED YOUR DRIVING?

 

Takaboshi:

It definitely changes things. Honestly, I haven't gotten to the point where I can fully grasp everything yet, but when we’re chasing that last tenth of a second, the difference becomes very clear. We haven’t reached that level yet, so my straightforward goal is to get there as quickly as possible.

Miyake:

I didn’t race last year, so I’m learning everything from the beginning without any preconceptions.

 


Q: GIVEN YOUR CURRENT SITUATION, WHAT IS THE MOST CRITICAL CHALLENGE YOU’RE FOCUSING ON BEFORE THE SEASON OPENER?

 

Takaboshi:

We have a lot to learn about the tyres, like how to be fast in a single lap and how to manage long races. We need to quickly gain this experience as we compete. On top of that, we must figure out how to best run the car and adjust its setup. How quickly we can achieve this will significantly impact our title contention.

Miyake:

There isn’t much time left before the opening race, but the sooner we can master driving to bring out the peak performance of the tyres—whether for a single lap or a long run—the better our chances. I want to hit the ground running, starting from the first race. While driving technique is crucial, it’s also about physics. Drivers who understand how the car works will do better, even if their skills are similar. I need to build that knowledge and expand my toolkit.

Q: LASTLY, COULD YOU SHARE YOUR ENTHUSIASM FOR THE SEASON AND YOUR EXPECTATIONS OF BRIDGESTONE?

 

Takaboshi:

Since the tyre manufacturer has changed, our most urgent task is to quickly adapt to it, both in terms of driving and car setup. By doing so, we aim to achieve results quickly and get involved in the title race. Of course, I believe that without winning, you can't claim the title, so our first goal is to attain a winning performance and secure a victory. Although the tyre manufacturer has changed, communication with the people at Bridgestone remains crucial. I want to increase my knowledge of the tyres through everything we gain from that communication. And if possible, I'd like Bridgestone to secretly share some of their tyre secrets with us! Please write that in bold! But seriously, this year, twelve cars are equipped with Bridgestone tyres. It's not about who the rivals are or who to be conscious of—every car starts on an equal footing as a competitor. As cars start to score points or fail to do so, they will gradually be eliminated, so at this point, all 14 other cars are our rivals, and breaking away from them won't be easy.

Miyake:

Since this is my first year, I want to quickly gain knowledge, improve my driving, and learn how to handle the car and contribute to its development, so I can compete solidly from the opening race. I also want to study thoroughly to avoid any losses or collisions, especially in tackling the GT300.