Okayama qualifying report: Cyndie Allemann surprises with a 12th place on the starting grid

Okayama, Japan, March 31, 2012 – In a very difficult context of changing weather conditions, learning a new series and a specific qualifying system, the new star driver of the Japanese Super GT series created a surprise by clinching the 12th place on the starting grid for the opening round of the championship, Saturday at Okayama International Circuit.

Cyndie Allemann

Photo by: Eric Gilbert

Her teammate Akihiro Tsuzuki having passed the first round of qualifying with a 15th place, the Swiss driver took over for Q2. Weather conditions started changing by the minute right before Q2, which brought a certain confusion and on-track traffic. Nevertheless, Cyndie clocked a 12th place (on 25 cars), barely missing the top-10. It is an excellent way to start her Super GT career, and caused a certain surprise in the paddock.

“Right before Q2, I was sitting in the car waiting for the session to restart – they then pushed the whole thing by 10 minutes, because the sun came out, then rain started and it even started to snow. At this point, I really didn’t have any idea of the conditions I will have once on track. We started with intermediary tires, even though the track was almost dry. I tried to manage to the best I could, and I reached a good rhythm, enough to crack the top-10 – as a matter of fact, in the next to last lap, I was still in the top-10. The last lap looked very promising, but I was slowed down quite a lot by traffic in one corner. For me, it’s a bit disappointing because I would have liked to bring my team in Q3. But it was my first shot at Super GT qualifying, so it’s OK

About Cyndie Allemann:

Cyndie Allemann: a World class driver, top athlete and brand ambassador. Always a fan favorite, whether in Europe, in the USA and soon in Japan, 25 years old Cyndie Allemann was literally born for speed.

Her 18-year racing career has seen her compete at the highest levels in many different series and tracks around the World: karting (winning the European junior title when she was only thirteen), open-wheel (EuroF3, Indy Lights, etc.), GT (FIA-GT1 World Championship) and endurance racing (GT1 podium at Spa in the Le Mans Series, 24 Hours of Le Mans, etc.) Her 2012 racing program includes a full participation in the Super GT championship with two Audi R8 LMS in the GT300 class.

For more info on Cyndie or to follow her, visit her web site and her facebook fan page at:
www.cyndieallemann.ch
www.facebook.com/CyndieAllemannOfficialPage

About Hitotsuyama Racing:

Founded in 1990 by Mikio Hitotsuyama, Hitotsuyama Racing team has an experience of more than twenty years in auto racing. The team has competed in many top level championships such as the Super GT (formerly known as the JGTC), the Le Mans Series, the Japan Le Mans Challenge (in LMP1, GT1 and GT2 classes), the Porsche Carrera Cup Japan and the Japan Touring Championship. The team has raced many top drivers and set itself apart by its bold vision regarding its racing programs, as well as its ultra-professional approach. Its 2012 racing program includes a full participation in the Super GT championship with two Audi R8 LMS in the GT300 class.

For more info on Hitotsuyama Racing, visit the team web site at:
www.hitotsuyamaracing.net