Karthikeyan completes maiden Super GT test

As first reported by Motorsport.com in November, Karthikeyan tested a Honda NSX-GT for Nakajima Racing, the same squad with which he raced in the Super Formula series this year.

Karthikeyan completed 70 laps of the F1 and MotoGP venue, sharing duties with former Super Formula and Super GT race winner Kosuke Matsuura.

He was joined on track by F1 2009 champion Jenson Button, who recently announced his decision to race full-time in the category next year after a maiden appearance in Suzuka 1000km.

“It was a great outing and I would like to thank Nakajima Racing for the opportunity as this is by far the fastest tin-top car I’ve ever driven”, Karthikeyan said.

“The cars are super-fast and very physical in the heat and humidity here at Sepang. The balance I would say is very close to a single-seater, it is extremely strong on the brakes and there is a proper tyre-war which is very rare to see in today’s era of control tyre championships”, he added.

Super GT is Japan’s premier racing championship and features the fastest grand touring racing cars in the world.

Japan’s leading three manufacturers, Honda, Nissan and Toyota (through Lexus) all have factory presence, while an all-out tyre-war is another distinct characteristic of this series.

Given the lure of Super GT cars, Karthikeyan is considering a switch to the championship next season, but says his first priority is to remain in Super Formula.

The 40-year-old is no stranger to sportscar racing, having driver a privateer Audi LMP1 car for racing team manager Colin Kolles.

“I’m still inclined to continue in Super Formula next season, but having tested the waters – I’d say Super GT500 is a formidable championship with some very talented drivers”, he said.

“We are still some time away from a decision so we’ll take a call probably next month.”