After yesterday’s opening race, the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Japan Round 4, Race 2 took place at Fuji Speedway. With typically clear early summer weather, the drivers put on an intense battle under the sun.

Sota Muto, winner in the Trofeo Pirelli: “I learned a lot from watching Race 1, so I made sure not to make any mistakes, especially in the first corner. I got a good start and built a ten-second gap in the first ten laps, but the safety car took away my lead. After the restart, there were just two laps to go, but with a lapped car between me and second place, I felt confident. The higher temperatures made tire management tricky, but I kept an eye on the pressures and adjusted my driving to keep the tires in good shape. I’m really happy with how the race went."

Kanji Yagura, winner in the Trofeo Pirelli Am: “I qualified third, but I believed I could win if I made my move on the third lap—and everything went just as planned. The temperature was higher today compared to yesterday, but after Race 1, I knew the ideal tire settings. I adjusted for the warmer conditions, and it paid off. This victory is the result of everyone’s hard work—Ferrari Japan, Cornes Osaka, and the entire team all came together. For Round 5 at Okayama International Circuit, I hope to take a win in at least one of the two races.”

Masaru Yoneda, winner in the Coppa Shell: “I began the race from 5th on the grid, but swiftly advanced to third place during the opening lap. Later, while the leading two cars became entangled in a fierce battle that resulted in contact, I was able to capitalize on the opportunity and secure my first victory. My primary aspiration is to savor the thrill of racing and to continue engaging in this sport for many years to come.　Last season, I finished fourth in the Coppa Shell Am. This year, I have taken on the greater challenge of competing in the highly competitive Coppa Shell class, where I am determined to achieve even stronger results. With Round 5 approaching, I am more motivated than ever to give my absolute best.”

Masaharu Katsumata, winner in the Coppa Shell Am: " I’m truly delighted to have taken this victory—my first since winning during the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli APAC era. Back in 1976, when I was a child, I wanted to watch Formula 1 at Fuji Speedway, but couldn’t get in, instead, I stood outside the circuit and listened to the sounds, dreaming of racing someday. That experience sparked my lifelong admiration for motorsports. Now, driving a Ferrari, I feel it’s my duty to compete in races. Race 1 didn’t go well for me, so today, I focused on steadily working my way up through the field. The latter part of the race was incredibly tough, but my coach and team kept encouraging me, that helped me pull through. Today also happens to be my son’s birthday, and I believe I was able to give him the best present possible."

Motoyuki Hori ,winner in the Trofeo Pirelli 488 Challenge Evo: “I’m really happy to have been able to win consecutive races at Fuji Speedway. Although I started the qualifying in 2nd place, I managed to take the lead at the start. Since I originally played American football, I’m used to the kind of atmosphere where things kick off all at once. Of course, the tension in racing is much higher. I was really nervous, but compared to yesterday, I was able to stay calmer and drive a better race.　The final round, Round 5, will be held at Okayama International Circuit from August 8th to 10th. I’m looking forward to seeing how the battle for the championship in each class unfolds.”