Nissan in charge as SUPER GT testing kicks off at Suzuka

A total of eight cars were in action at the Japanese Grand Prix venue for the first day of a two-day test that marks the first GT500 group running of the year.

Nissan was the best represented marque, with all four of its new Z machines that will race in 2022 in attendance along with an extra NISMO test car.

It was this car that set the fastest time of the day, a 1m44.846s, ahead of the likewise Michelin-shod #23 NISMO and #3 NDDP Racing machines.

Honda convert Bertrand Baguette had his first experience in the #12 Impul Z that he will share with Kazuki Hiramine this season, having been finally unveiled as a Nissan driver on Tuesday morning.

Impul’s Bridgestone-equipped car was fastest in the morning session with a best time of 1m45.168s, but was only fifth in the afternoon behind the sole Honda in attendance, the Real Racing NSX-GT.

Tuesday marked new signing Nobuharu Matsushita’s first running aboard the Astemo-backed car, which was running with Type S-spec bodywork.

Kohei Hirate had his first taste of the Z on Yokohama rubber following his transfer to Kondo Racing, having previously used Michelins at NDDP Racing.

Both of Yokohama’s two GT500 entries were present, as Racing Project Bandoh’s Toyota GR Supra was also part of the test.

The only other Toyota present was a test car on Bridgestone tyres, the #90 machine. Cerumo pair Yuji Tachikawa and Hiroaki Ishiura were among those on driving duties, along with reigning champion and TOM’S man Sho Tsuboi.

Dunlop was the only GT500 tyre manufacturer not represented at the test.

Testing continues on Wednesday at Suzuka, with further running likely to take place prior to the first of two official pre-season tests in early March at Okayama.

Suzuka testing times: