13.07.2004 It's been a hectic few weeks for Amprex Motorsports with their new Lamborghini MuRcielago R-GT but they head for the Tokachi Speedway this weekend confident of putting in a good performance

It's been a hectic few weeks for Malaysia-based Amprex Motorsports, the latest team signing up to run the exciting new Lamborghini Murcielago R-GT.

Exactly a month ago the team launched their new car, presenting an ambitious program to take in the remaining rounds of Japanese GT Championship, during a JGTC road show held at Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur.

Genji Hashimoto, the owner of Amprex Motorsports, and Norman Simon, who has during his racing career competed in F3, F3000 and at Le Mans, were announced as the drivers.

One week later the team made its debut at round three of the JGTC, held at the Malaysian F1 circuit, Sepang.

Prior to the race, team director Hong Heng Soon had been concerned that their late entry in the series would leave them playing catch-up. “We are still learning about the new car as a team. The car was prepared one week before the race so any good result will be a bonus for us."

“Hashimoto is familiar with the JGTC, having participated in the GT300 class, while Norman, though young, is quick and was previously test driver for Lamborghini."

Hong said the car was built according to FIA regulations and had to get special approval from Japan Automobile Federation to race in the Japan GT Championship. “We cannot modify the car to JGTC specification. Obviously there is a big difference technically where the FIA rules will have a disadvantage on the car.

“For example in terms of engine power, our car might be better than the top teams like Toyota, Nissan and Honda but it will loose out in the cornering speeds because of the aerodynamic and suspension layout”.

With opening qualifying at Sepang hit by driving rain, the team had only the second session in which to set-up the brand new car for the 54-lap race.

After starting from 15th on the grid, in front of the 24,270 spectators, Hashimoto and Simon ran steadily all the way to the flag to be classified 12th overall, three laps behind the winning Denso Sard-run Toyota Supra. It was an all the more satisfying result considering the Michelin-shod Murcielago had been forced to make an extra unscheduled pit stop.

Hashimoto was delighted: “I am very happy with our performance although we had a jump-start penalty which dropped us back to 19th position.

“However credit goes to my co-driver Norman who went flat out to secure this healthy position in very difficult hot conditions, with a new car, and just about a week of preparations."

Hashimoto said from this race the team has collected a lot of useful data which can help us improve the car for future rounds. “I am confident we can improve our position. Overall our team, with the support of Reiter Engineering and Lamborghini, can work together to improve the car for future competition”.

Norman Simon, started the car before passing over to Hashimoto after 21 laps, “Although this is my first time in Sepang, I feel good and I did overtake some powerful cars to secure the position”.

Now, the team are on their way to the Tokachi International Speedway to compete in round four of the JGTC this weekend. Tokachi, in the prefecture of Hokkaido, will see the JGTC runners will take in 84 laps of the demanding 3.406km track.

The team told Italiaspeed this week, as they made the ferry journey to the Japanese mainland, "Technical issues that arose at Sepang have been remedied and, with the drivers much more at home in the car now, we are confident that we can turn in a good result."

Team Director Hong reveals big plans are in the pipeline, and makes it no secret that ultimate target for the team is to participate at Le Mans next year. “We want to make history for a Malaysian team to participate in this event. Many Japanese teams have been there for some time but definitely none from Malaysia.”

“Our main reason for participating in the JGTC is to test and develop the car further while racing. Sometime in August this year we are intend to do a twenty four hour endurance test as we need to prepare the car for a longer distance race”.