After trouble hit the R&D SPORT LEGACY B4 in qualifying for the SUPER GT Suzuka 700km Race, R&D SPORT were forced to curtail their plans for the car on its debut. Despite hard work from the team's mechanics, the car was unable to participate in the free practice session that began on Sunday, August 23rd at 10:10am, and had to abandon their pans for participation in the race.
Suzuka Circuit saw a huge number of SUBARU fans from the Tokai, Chubu and Kinki regions gather from early in the morning on race day. In anticipation of the car's debut, specially arranged fan seats were all sold out well in advance. However, before the race, Team Director Shinji Motojima and the car's two drivers Tetsuya Yamano and Shogo Mitsuyama made the unfortunate announcement that the car would not be running, sending up a heavy sigh among the many fans.
"However, we will soon return to the circuit. In the next round at Fuji we expect to have a strong showing," said Yamano. Mitsuyama concurred, saying, "Without a doubt, we expect to be able to put on a good fight and finish at the top," to which a raucous cheer of "Gambare" (Go for it!) emanated from the crowd.
Team Director Shinji Motojima's comment:
"These past three months we've worked sleepless nights to bring you the LEGACY B4 at Suzuka Circuit today. However, we were not quite finished and during qualifying trouble developed in the car's drive system. After repairs, we had hoped to appear in the race. But without being able to complete the work by this morning, it was impossible to run in free practice and regrettably we won't be in the race. We want to resolve these problems as soon as possible, and aim to return in front of you, the fans. Until that time, please be patient. We are very sorry not to be able to meet your expectations today."