In 2007, Dunlop enjoyed by far its best ever SuperGT campaign as Nakajima Racing finished second overall. loicduval looks back on that season and reveals why Dunlop's form didn't last:
Back in 2007, Loic Duval and Fabio Carbone shared the wheel of Nakajima's #32 Honda NSX, marking the last time that two international drivers have been paired together in SUPER GT's top class for a full season.
After passing the Impul Nissan of compatriot Benoit Treluyer, Duval built a gap out front before handing over to Carbone. The Brazilian brought home the Nakajima car 16 seconds clear to seal the runner-up spot, matching the team's best championship finishes from when it ran Bridgestone tyres. "I remember that win [at Fuji], it was super-nice to win that race and secure second in the championship. You always have the chance to at least win a race in SUPER GT with the weight handicap, but finishing second in the championship was a great achievement.
Hiranaka would be replaced as Duval's teammate by Yuhki Nakayama in 2009, but things went from bad to worse as they dropped to last overall with a best finish of sixth. Duval left to join the works-supported Dome Honda squad for 2010, winning that year's title with Takashi Kogure.So why did 2007 prove a flash in the pan? Duval has a relatively simple but compelling explanation.
That remains the team's most recent victory, and since that race there have been only two second place finishes and two poles to keep team morale up.
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