Brands Hatch Circuit, UK (Apr 1st, 2007)
The first two rounds of the Formula Renault UK Championship have been held and Ryuji Yamamoto (18), supported by a Nissan/NISMO scholarship, struggled a lot in his first-ever overseas race, compounded by tires with different grip characteristics, but still managed to overtake four cars and finish 11th in the 2nd round. In the first round, he got mixed up with other cars spinning, damaging his front nose and was forced to retire on lap 4 at the first corner.
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About 100 km east of London, Brands Hatch Circuit and its short course (1.1986 mile/lap) on a pleasantly sunny day sported the ideal conditions for racing, with temperatures rising to 15°C. When the race started at 17:30, 18 cars all rushed together into the first corner. Yamamoto, who started from 15th, controlled his wheels from spinning for a smooth getaway.
He overtook Nathan Caratti (Australia) on the 1st corner of lap 2 and was 14th. On lap 5 and 6, he beat cars in front at the final corner, overtaking fellow Japanese competitor Sho Hanawa and British driver Will Bratt, rising to 12th place. He then continued his pursuit of Alex Morgan (UK) for 14 laps in a tail-to-nose battle. Yamamoto waited for the opportunity until lap 20, almost the end of the race, taking hold of Morgan in the final corner, Yamamoto's favorite. On lap 23, he marked his best lap time with a 45"136, the 9th-fastest in the field. He came very close to being in the top 10, but ended up 0.4 seconds behind the preceding car when the race was called finished at the checkered flag.
Looking back on his debut race, Yamamoto was quoted as follows:
"I made a mistake at the start with my wheels spinning in the first race.I was 10th on the grid, but I fell to 12th. And it was my fault getting mixed up with the other spinning car.For the second race, I had learned my lesson and tried as much as I could not to spin my wheels.I didn't struggle too much in the race; I was faster than others going into the final corner, so it was easier to overtake."
His future tasks include trying to work out how to drive on low-grip European tracks with new tires that have different lateral grip levels, Yamamoto admitted.The next event will be held on April 22 as Rounds 3 and 4 of the series visit Rockingham Circuit. The track is Yamamoto's favorite as he set the fastest time during winter tests."I am familiar with the race track and I will aim to be in the top 5.If qualifying works, I can even aim at a podium finish!"
Nissan Drivers Developing Program (NISSAN D.D.P.)
In 2006, Nissan, Toyota and Honda launched Formula Challenge Japan (FCJ), a new formula car series started in order to raise young drivers who will be competitive around the world. Nissan, along with the two other manufacturers, have introduced a scholarship program to a couple of selected drivers. In 2006, Nissan supported four drivers.
Yamamoto was ranked 2nd in the Championship, losing only by the number of victories. This season, he has been given the opportunity to participate in the Formula Renault UK Championship with Nissan's unique 'Advanced Scholarship' .
The series uses Italian-made Tatuus chassis-based formula cars with Renault inline 4 cylinder 2000cc production engines. It is one level below Formula 3 in the hierarchy, and categorized as a 'middle formula' like FCJ.
Nissan/NISMO continues to support four young drivers with scholarships and in their entry to FCJ.
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