FNIPPON: Krumm second at Fuji

Morning Warm Up
Running in race set up Michael set the second fastest time and also lapped very consistently during the session. Setting a best time of 1.18.115 Michael's only concern was the re-appearance of the brake problem from Saturday.

Race
From the start Michael took third position and began to chase down teammate Hattori who started from 3rd Position and also gained one place at the start. In the opening laps Motoyama lead from pole position and Wakisaka lost 2 places to the Team 5Zigen cars.

The leader Motoyama then retired with engine problems promoting Hattori to the lead. Michael who had been trading places with Michigami pitted early on lap 17. Although Michael had the quickest in and out laps he lost 1.5 seconds to team mate Hattori and he held 2nd position behind Hattori after the stops. Michael applied as much pressure as possible to Hattori keeping the gap to within 1 second but struggling with poor acceleration off the corners and the recurring brake problem that first appeared in qualifying.

"I am very pleased for Team 5Zigen today, it is our first one - two, and having worked with the team and helped them develop in the last couple of seasons, this is pleasing. Hattori drove well today and made very few mistakes. We made a small mistake on my gearing set up, so as the conditions changed, he had better acceleration. I cannot say I am happy to be second, but considering the brake problem I had - every corner I was pumping the pedal - I will take the 6 points as it puts me second in the Championship, " Michael commented.

-KMR