STI running out of time to resolve BRZ GT300 problems before SUPER GT opener

When STI took the new 2015 Subaru BRZ GT300 out on the track at Okayama International Circuit for the official SUPER GT testing earlier this month, some problems were revealed that needed to be worked out. R & D Sport, who manages the 2015 Subaru BRZ GT300 team, took the race car out to Fuji Speedway the past two days to resolve the issues.

Official SUPER GT testing reveal problems

After finishing test runs at Okayama International Circuit, Eiji Tatsumi, general team manager of STI, said, “During the Okayama test, we confirmed that improvements in the linearity and steering resistance needed improvement. The drivers reported there wasn’t enough feel in the steering.” At Fuji Speedway this week, drivers Takuto Iguchi and Hideki Yamauchi both took turns behind the wheel and confirmed the measures that were “applied to the machine” could be seen early in the first day of testing on Monday.

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STI makes adjustments to the new BRZ GT300

The team made small adjustments to the chassis management to correct the issue and the results impressed the two drivers who said the improvements considerably changed the car dynamics. Takuto Iguchi, the more experienced driver for the team who was responsible for the setup changes said, The traction feel increased and the car enters the turns better now with better turn-in from the nose of the car. STI also made changes to the rear fender which is a new specification this year changing the aerodynamics which was also tested at Fuji Speedway this week.

Different tires combinations are tested

On the second day of testing (Tuesday), the team also tried different tire combinations. The team switched to Dunlop tires this season from Michelin and needs to check the behavior of the new tires. Iguchi ran longer runs in the afternoon session and noticed the traction problems experienced last year are not there. He said, “There has been great progress made.” New 26 year-old driver Hideki Yamauchi also confirmed the suspension changes along with the new Dunlop tires has made a difference and “has been greatly improved” from the tests earlier in March.

STI doesn’t have much time to figure out these issues as the first race at the Okayama opener is less than two weeks away. The first SUPER GT race for the new 2015 Subaru BRZ GT300 is April 4-5 at the Okayama International Circuit. Stay tuned.