Suzuka set the stage for the third round of the TSRC Sports Car Series. The Japanese circuit brought a fresh set of challenges, with its fast-flowing corners and kerbs that can end a race in an instant. This article covers some of the key action from this spectacular event.

Jamie Nuttall continued his streak of pole positions with an impressive lap, finishing two-tenths ahead of his rival Tom Davidson. In the GT3 class, Volkan Bakirdan secured his best qualifying result of the season, taking pole by just four-hundredths of a second over Kieran Sharp.

As the race went green, Jamie Nuttall got a strong start, maintaining his lead ahead of Tom Davidson. Despite Tom’s best efforts to pass, he spun on cold tyres through the esses, sustaining significant damage and being forced into an early pit stop. In the GT3 class, Kieran Sharp managed to overtake Volkan Bakirdan for the lead, which was crucial on a circuit as difficult to pass as Suzuka. However, Kieran’s lead was short-lived as a backmarker slowed him down, allowing Volkan to retake the lead and bringing Guillaume Hamling close behind.

As the race progressed, it became more a battle against the track than the other cars, with multiple drivers falling victim to the infamous 130R, crashing on the unforgiving kerbs. The race settled into a rhythm, but the real action resumed during the pit stop phase. Kieran Sharp managed to undercut Volkan Bakirdan to regain the lead, but Volkan and Guillaume were closing in fast. Despite their pace, it wasn’t enough, and Kieran Sharp held on to take the GT3 class victory. Jamie Nuttall secured another win in the GTP class, gaining valuable points over his rival Tom Davidson, who had suffered earlier misfortune.

Special recognition goes to Wiardi Rombouts and Quinten van Wingerden, who achieved their best results of the season so far. As the season progresses, drivers will continue to improve, and the competition is only heating up.

Tune in next week to catch up on the latest action as the season continues to unfold.