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Lamborghini's JLOC Team Claims Second Super GT300 Victory At Autopolis With Strategic Mastery
Lamborghini secured its second Super GT300 win of the season at Autopolis. JLOC's Yuya Motojima and Takashi Kogure executed a flawless pit strategy in a safety car-affected race. Starting 15th, they climbed into the top 10 within an hour. The #88 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 emerged victorious after four safety car periods, finishing under yellow flag conditions.
The race saw four safety car deployments, with the penultimate one proving crucial for the #88 team. They had already completed their second mandatory driver-change pit-stop, allowing them to take the lead. With drive time capped at two hours, Motojima handed over to Kogure, who maintained the lead against Ferrari and Toyota competitors.
Heavy fog and rain disrupted Saturday's qualifying session, postponing it to Sunday morning. The sister JLOC #87 crew of Kosuke Matsuura and Natsu Sakaguchi started ninth on the grid, six spots ahead of the #88. Both cars made early progress, with the #87 moving to fifth and the #88 advancing to eighth within the first hour.
A crash in the GT500 class prompted a safety car period that allowed the #88 to move into the top five. Motojima executed a remarkable overtaking manoeuvre at turn six hairpin, securing fourth place with over 90 minutes left. Pitting earlier than rivals helped them cycle into the lead during another safety car intervention.
The race concluded behind a safety car due to a severe crash involving Subaru's #61 car. This incident ensured that no challenges could threaten their lead in the final stages. The victory marked Motojima and Kogure's second win of the season, following their dominant performance at Fuji earlier this year.
Driver Reactions and Team Performance
Motojima expressed his delight: "I am really happy. Of course, we are always aiming to win (but having to start from 15th position on the grid) before the start I never thought this would happen, and that we would end up winning. But soon after the start, I had a great feeling with the car and the tyres, so I thought I would try to work up through the field even if it meant punishing the car a bit."
Kogure added: "Today weren’t able to get a good time in qualifying, but we were able to redeem ourselves with this win. The way Motojima-san performed in the first half put pressure on me in a good sense. And I believe that the way all of the team members did their jobs so well is what finally brought us this victory. Since this has brought us to the top in the rankings, I want to keep trying to do my best."
This triumph places them third in standings, trailing by 16 points with two races remaining. Their strategic prowess and teamwork have been pivotal throughout this season.
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