When my unexpected seat with the PETRONAS Syntium Team was confirmed early in 2012, I travelled to Japan just a handful of days later for the Super Taikyu pre-season test at Fuji Speedway.
The weather was horrible, but it was an experience I will never forget and a turning point in my career. For that, Fuji will always hold a special place for me, so I eagerly anticipate our return there, second time around, for what will be a seven hour race this weekend.
I’m equally as eager because there’s a burning ambition within me to right the wrongs of our brake problems at Motegi, and extend our Championship lead back out to a comfortable position as the season reaches its half-way point.
Fuji Speedway is a brilliant setting for this weekend’s race. It’s also the easiest to access, just out of the bustling City of Tokyo and set in the foothills of the magnificent Mt. Fuji.
The mountain, often covered in snow even in the summer months, towers over the circuit casting a watchful eye like a wise old sensei.
As with Motegi, I’m expecting the heat and humidity will play a big part in the race, as will the growing competition from our rivals around us. I expect the layout of Fuji will still be less suited to the SLS AMG GT3 than some other marques, however the race pace we can pump out is sufficient to boost my confidence of putting up a big fight for the win.
Seven hours is getting up there. In fact, it’ll be the longest race I’ve ever competed in. Despite a few recurring issues with my back, the body and mind are fitter than ever so I relish the prospect of challenging myself with three stints at the wheel throughout the race.
The rest will be down to my team mates, the hands-on brilliance of our pit crew and engineer and…a bit of good luck. Good luck was absent from our game plan at Motegi.
So let’s go out there and do it!
Jono Lester – #FlyingKiwi
Driver of the #28 PETRONAS Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in the Super Taikyu Series
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