- 22.12.2011
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Benoit Treluyer Departs The NISMO Team
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Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd. (Head office at Minami-Oi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President Shoichi Miyatani, “NISMO”) announces that NISMO and Benoit Treluyer will not be renewing their driver contract for the 2012 season.
Treluyer first entered the All-Japan GT Championship (JGTC) when he replaced Kazuyoshi Hoshino for Round 6 of the 2002 season. From that point forward, under the tutelage of Director Hoshino, Treluyer participated in the JGTC and SUPER GT in both the Skyline GT-R and Fairlady Z.
He moved to NISMO in 2008, taking the series' title in a NISSAN GT-R alongside Satoshi Motoyama the same year. This season, the pairing placed 2nd in the Driver's standings, scoring three victories and contributing hugely to the NISSAN GT-R placing 1-2 in the series with five wins from eight rounds.
Treluyer spent over nine years in NISSAN-equipped teams in the JGTC/SUPER GT, and with his determination has decided to tackle a new challenge. NISMO, wishing his further success, has consented to his request.
SUPER GT Nissan Teams General Director, Kunihiko Kakimoto's comment :
“Please allow me to call him by his nickname, Ben's career began with his All-Japan F3 championship. After his many Japanese titles, in Formula Nippon and Super GT etc., he has fulfilled his childhood dream by making a triumphant return to his native Europe. Fast is a fitting word for Ben. His speed in the wet in particular was awe-inspiring in its brilliance. For those of us who have always been with Ben, it's like a member of the family leaving home. The time will come when he is reunited with this family. I'm looking forward to that day.”
NISMO Team Director, Yutaka Suzuki's comment :
“Ben's driving is like Hoshino's, flat-out every time. When I saw him like that, I was filled with desire to help him win and even though we worked together, before I knew it I end up feeling just like one of his fans. It's very unfortunate that we won't be able to race together anymore, but Ben has the talent to compete worldwide, and it would be a shame for him not to show that talent to motorsport fans all around the world. I believe in Ben's endeavors and want to watch him as one of his fans.”
NISMO Teammate, Satoshi Motoyama's comment :
“Benoit has been close to me ever since we became teammates in Formula Nippon in 2003, and our relationship let us improve our skill through our respect for each other, both as drivers and as people. Since 2008, we have spent four years together at NISMO during which time he has been the best partner, unrivaled in any situation. I have fond memories of the wonderful times we've had winning so many victories and a championship. The people who know him in Japan will be delighted if Benoit makes the absolute most of his strengths and experiences in Japan to become the best in the world, so we want him to do his very best.”
Benoit Treluyer's comment :
“I did 12 seasons in Japan and nearly 10 in collaboration with Nissan. After 2 years in F3, Nissan gave me a chance to become a professional racing driver, helped by the best Japanese racing drivers Kazuyoshi Hoshino and Satoshi Motoyama. During these many years I learned so much and I can now take part of the best championships and races in the world. I am very sad to leave Nissan/NISMO, but fiving the best to two high level racing programs was very difficult for me and my family. I had to make a very difficult choice for the 2012 season and it will be for sure one of the most difficult in my career. I would like to thank all the Japanese fans, journalists, photographers, sponsors, teams and Nissan for all they gave to me. Japan adopted me, it is part of me for all my life and I feel like if I have to leave one part of my family or my parents' home…. To finish, I would like to wish you all my very best for the next year and I promise to come to visit Japan in the future.”
An announcement regarding Nissan's motorsports activities for 2012 will be made at a later date.