Renger van der Zande: “The NSX transformation is incredible”

If Honda had not taken part in the first round of the 2019 Intercontinental GT Challenge at Bathurst, the arrival of the NSX GT3, under the Acura badge, during the 8 Hours of California at Laguna Seca, had immediately seen the GT3 showed great performance in qualifying with pole position for the trio Bertrand Baguette – Mario Farnbacher – Renger van der Zande.

A crew which was however unable to confirm in the race, but optimism is growing within Honda Team Motul before tackling the double clock of the 24 Hours of Spa next week.

An event where the NSX GT3 was first unveiled in 2017 before being entered into the race the following year with a quartet entered in Pro-Am, where we found Riccardo Patrese, former driver F1, Bertrand Baguette and Esteban Guerrieri, official Honda drivers, and Loïc Depailler, son of Patrick Depailler.

32nd at the finish, the car had reached an important stage in its development, before Honda brought an Evo version to its creation the following October. An update which seems to have borne fruit in terms of performance according to Renger van der Zande.

“This will be my third race with the NSX GT3, and the transformation of the car since I first drove it in October 2017 is incredible,” said van der Zande. This year's Evo version is certainly the most enjoyable to drive and much more consistent over long runs.

I think if we can avoid the usual issues that can plague a 24-hour race and get our strategy right with the inevitable Safety Cars and Slow Zones, we can play up front. »

In addition to Team Motul's NSX GT3 in the Pro category, the Japanese brand will be represented by the Jenson Team Rocket RJN in the Silver Cup.