July 12, 2014
Karthikeyan will begin on the sixth line for the 55-lap race Sunday having qualified in one moment and 24.380 seconds while post position man Andrea Caldarelli lapped the circuit, arranged at the foothills of Mount Fuji, in 1:22.667.
Karthikeyan's last excursion here in May was full with electronic and other mechanical issues. While none of those issues hampered him this time, the Team Lenovo Impul driver attempted to adjust his Dallara Sf14 to specific segments of the circuit, especially the last area.
"It is a pretty unique circuit. The last sector is particularly tricky and to get it right consistently especially if you haven't driven here too much is hard. We were often second or third through the first two splits and the top speed was also fine compared to last time. But the last sector just didn't come to us," said a disillusioned Karthikeyan.
"There is no excuse to be quick in some sectors and not in others. It is all about putting the lap together and that's what the timing screen shows. Unfortunately, there were just too many mistakes on the qualifying lap."
The totally redid Super Formula, some time ago known as Formula Nippon, exchanged to another Dallara Sf14 case in the not so distant future, controlled by two-liter, 550 bhp turbocharged motors.
Discussing his chances Sunday, Karthikeyan said: "Luckily we're okay on top speed so we should be able to get some overtaking done. If we can get a good start, pass a few cars, have quick pit stops and keep our nose clean, we should be able to bring in some solid points."
Karthikeyan's last excursion here in May was full with electronic and other mechanical issues. While none of those issues hampered him this time, the Team Lenovo Impul driver attempted to adjust his Dallara Sf14 to specific segments of the circuit, especially the last area.
"It is a pretty unique circuit. The last sector is particularly tricky and to get it right consistently especially if you haven't driven here too much is hard. We were often second or third through the first two splits and the top speed was also fine compared to last time. But the last sector just didn't come to us," said a disillusioned Karthikeyan.
"There is no excuse to be quick in some sectors and not in others. It is all about putting the lap together and that's what the timing screen shows. Unfortunately, there were just too many mistakes on the qualifying lap."
The totally redid Super Formula, some time ago known as Formula Nippon, exchanged to another Dallara Sf14 case in the not so distant future, controlled by two-liter, 550 bhp turbocharged motors.
Discussing his chances Sunday, Karthikeyan said: "Luckily we're okay on top speed so we should be able to get some overtaking done. If we can get a good start, pass a few cars, have quick pit stops and keep our nose clean, we should be able to bring in some solid points."
