In round 3 of the 2022 SUPER GT at Suzuka Circuit held on May 28-29, Astemo REAL RACING saw its strongest performance for the season.
For qualifiers, Tsukakoshi took on Q1 amidst rising air and track surface temperatures. He managed his tires well and secured the 4th position, advancing to Q2 for the first time this season. Matsushita took on Q2 and set a faster time than in Q1, but finished 5th.
In the final race, the temperatures swelled to 30 degrees Celsius. Matsushita started off, jumping to 3rd by overtaking the two cars in front of him in succession on the second lap. Then, despite the Full Course Yellow and the Safety Car coming out, Matsushita maitained his position and made a pit stop on the 20th lap to switch off with Tsukakoshi. Due to quick pit work, the team returned to the course in 2nd place, chasing down the leader, #3 CRAFTSPORTS MOTUL Z. Tsukakoshi was unable to keep up with the pace of the leader and finished in 2nd place. Nonetheless, the team was able to achieve the first podium finish of the season, and it was also the team's first podium finish at Suzuka.
Astemo REAL RACING jumped up to 4th in the driver rankings and will be in a solid position going into Round 4 at Fuji on August 6-7.