Ronnie Quintarelli: “Toyota, the manufacturer to beat”

How is Japan handling the coronavirus crisis?

Since last week – which coincided with the decision to postpone the Tokyo Olympics to 2021 – a few cases have been recorded, with a peak yesterday (Wednesday April 8, Editor's note) at just over 400 cases. But yesterday, the Prime Minister asked residents of Tokyo and Osaka, the country's two largest cities, to work from home and avoid going out as much as possible. However, these are only recommendations and not obligations. But here, even if the government does not issue an order, businesses take the lead. The Japanese are very responsible. In Italy, it is the opposite. Friends told me that despite the bans, people still went out…

Motorsport in Japan seemed less at a standstill than elsewhere. What is it really ?

The first collective tests, in Okayama in mid-March, were not open to the public. Which is unfortunate, because fans normally come in droves. And GTA (the promoter. Ed.) controlled our temperature. We should have gone to Fuji two weeks later, but the day before, it was canceled.

What about the calendar?

At the beginning of April, they decided to postpone the first three rounds (Suzuka, Buriram and Sepang. Editor's note). We hope to start in July (the 14th in Okayama. Editor’s note). They will try to prioritize postponements over cancellations, but as you know, the situation is very unpredictable.

How did the tests go with the new Nissan?

We discovered it last September, in Suzuka. Under the new regulations, we were supposed to lose 10% of downforce. Many small aerodynamic elements are now prohibited. But from the outset, I found a car much more balanced than its predecessor, which may seem surprising. We didn't have to change that many things and were able to continue, with Michelin, to work from the base we had last year.

How do you explain it?

This is the third generation of car since the start of the collaboration with the DTM. But there, the change is much more pronounced than between the first and the second. I think all three manufacturers have benefited from the experience acquired over the last six years. But really, I don't have the impression of having lost any support and I even have the feeling of being able to be more aggressive when entering a curve. We, just like Toyota and Honda, however, encountered some difficulties with the new electronic system. We moved from Cosworth to Bosch, so that we had the same as the DTM. There are many more parameters, there are more engine maps and, to be honest, even leaving our stand location was complicated (laughs). But everything started to work in Sepang at the end of December and the car is now very comfortable to drive.

What about the other changes?

In terms of the side “skirts” and around the rear wheels, we have more freedom than in DTM. The car is less sensitive to ride height and is therefore easier to drive. At the engine level, we are free to continue development. I think we gained a few horsepower, but in Super GT we are limited to two engines per season. We will therefore start with the old specification, while continuing to work on the new one, which we will adopt when we move on to the second block.

Do you think the races will be more spectacular?

Honestly, I don't think it will drastically change the racing philosophy. On the other hand, traffic with GT300s is increasingly complicated to manage. The gap is closing. They are doing the times we did ten years ago with the GT500s, while we are 7" to 8" faster. During the race, you must be extra vigilant, especially when the tires deteriorate. They will go even faster than last year, unlike us. For the fans, it might be nicer to see.

We understand that you worked a lot with Michelin last year to regain the title…

I would rather say that we never stopped working. As you know, the Super GT offers a unique tire manufacturer war. I've been working with Michelin since 2009 and I love it. They invest a lot and analyze everything. And believe me, the challenge is huge because Bridgestone is investing a lot. In the past, Michelin was better when track temperatures were high and vice versa. Today, it has balanced out despite the fact that the two brands have completely different development philosophies.

© SuperGT

If you still finished 3rd last year, the title has eluded you since 2015. So is 5th for this year?

Our Nissan is better than last year but the Toyota seems to be very powerful and above all, like three years ago, they are introducing a new model at the time when new regulations come into force. And that allows them to work even more on aerodynamics. Like the Lexus LC500 was, the new Supra looks very competitive and I think Toyota will once again be the manufacturer to beat. They have a very strong relationship with Bridgestone, which powers five of their six cars. We only have two Nissans with Michelin tires. However, the more cars a manufacturer has with the same package, the more information it gains, which the satellite teams share. We have to maximize everything.

You have teamed up with Tsugio Matsuda since 2014. What is your secret?

I don't have the same relationship with Tsugio as with Masataka (Yanagida. Editor's note), with whom I won my first two titles. He was a brother to me and he did everything for me. A great guy, who I always hang out with outside the circuits. With Tsugio, it's totally different. When he arrived at my side (in 2009. Editor's note), with two Super Formula titles (2007 and 2008. Editor's note), he wanted to show himself. We only see each other on the circuits, but behind the wheel he is very strong, especially mentally. And we like the same settings. We never have different requests, which makes the job of our engineers much easier. Furthermore, he is obsessed with cars, he spends his life behind the wheel. So sometimes he notices things that I don't see. Me, I'm more basic, and I work more on my physique. When he arrived, I actually put him into sports, I had to. In the end, we complete each other.

© SuperGT

Would you be in favor of new joint meetings with the DTM?

It was quite nice, especially in Fuji for the Dream Race. At Hockenheim, the DTM was still in full season, we were discovering the Hankook tires – I can assure you it's not the same as what we are used to – and the BoP was not very supportive. All of this forced us to significantly modify our usual set-up. But for us, who are used to relay races, doing a sprint without changing drivers, it's nice, it's a change.

What do you do to stay in shape? Sim racing?

No, I'm an elder, I'm 40 years old. I am improving my physical condition a lot. I avoid the gym, but I have something to work out at home. And above all I work on my cardio and breathing, because it is very important while driving, and I try to do a little cycling every day. And I never stopped karting.

You even do it with your children, right?

From time to time, but not too much either, because I'm already on the circuits too often. They are 10 and 7 years old and love watching the races live on TV. The Super GT does a lot for kids, which is amazing. They know all the drivers, wear the colors of their favorite driver... For them, drivers are heroes.

Thanks Ronnie…

Thank you and take care of yourself.