The FIA World Endurance Championship will race at Fuji this weekend, with some thrilling battles promised across the LMGT3 class in the penultimate round of the 2024 season.
United Autosports’ Marino Sato and Vista AF Corse’s Alessio Rovera help to preview the weekend ahead.
Fuji International Speedway, nestled in the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji, will play host to Goodyear-equipped LMGT3 cars from nine different manufacturers battling for victory this weekend. Goodyear will bring a single specification, medium compound slick tire to Fuji, the same used in the opening six rounds of this season. Goodyear developed the tire to work across a wide range of circuits and temperatures, including the full range of temperatures that could greet the drivers, as is typical of Fuji’s unpredictable weather. A single specification wet tire will also be available, which is designed to handle the challenging and variable conditions that Fuji is known for.
Fuji features the longest straight of any permanent track on the WEC calendar, stretching 1.475 km. This extended run from Turn 16 to the end of the straight has significant implications for tire performance, generating considerable heat and wear. As a result, managing tire temperatures will be crucial, especially with the first turn providing a prime overtaking opportunity for drivers where maintaining grip is essential.
Marino Sato is one driver in the LMGT3 class who will enjoy a home advantage this weekend, as the Japanese racer takes on Fuji Speedway for the first time. Sato, who has been in strong form following his third and second-place Goodyear Wingfoot Award finishes at Interlagos and COTA, discusses his intention to maintain this momentum, and looks ahead to his home race this weekend:
« I am excited to see a lot of fans from Japan, and I am really happy that I can finally race in front of them, » says Sato. « I didn’t expect to be up there [in the Wingfoot standings] in Brazil! That was a nice surprise. To be competitive in the Wingfoot Award, it is important to bring the car into a good window in each stint as that will boost my average pace.
« This year, there have been some tracks on the calendar that are particularly hard on tires, but we haven’t faced any major issues, even in multiple stints, which is very impressive. There’s a wide operational window, but there’s also a sweet spot for peak performance, so it’s crucial to squeeze that performance out. »
The Wingfoot Award recognises the relentless performance and consistency of the best endurance racing drivers. Each race, it is calculated over a single stint and the LMGT3 driver with the fastest time wins the award. The season-long points standings crown the overall Wingfoot Award champion at the end of the campaign.
Alessio Rovera chases Goodyear Wingfoot Award success
Another driver in the hunt for top Wingfoot Award honours this weekend is Alessio Rovera. Despite not winning the award at a race so far, the Italian driver is currently in fourth place in the standings, only four points away from a podium position in the overall rankings.
Rovera, whose consistency has been key to picking up points throughout the season, shares his strategy for climbing the standings in the final races of the season: « The goal for the last two races is to finish on the podium, » says Rovera. « Luck hasn’t been on our side so far [for an overall win], but the team has done an excellent job in the first six races of the year, and our Ferrari has consistently been fast and enjoyable to drive in all conditions.
« Fuji isn’t among my favourite tracks, but the race will be critical and challenging. The weather in Japan isn’t straightforward, with heat and humidity being factors we’ll need to account for. The Ferrari 296 LMGT3 is a car that is continually developing and improving with each race. We weren’t the fastest in Austin, but we hope to be competitive in Japan. »
Marco Lo Prato,