2016 CIK-FIA Best-of: good learning season for Shion Tsujimoto

The Japanese Shion Tsujimoto was selected by the FIA Commission for Women in Motor Sport, in conjunction with the CIK-FIA, to participate in the 2016 CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy. It was an opportunity for her to race in good conditions in high-level one-make competition. Often fast, Shion still lacked experience in managing the races. Despite modest results, she learned a lot this year while racing in Europe.

Shion, how did you get started in karting?
My family is passionate about motorsport and karting. I started racing in 2012 when my father took me to watch a race at the Suzuka circuit, in Mie close to where we live. I loved it and I immediately wanted to drive. I started testing for several months to prepare for my first national race on a Yamaha KT100 next year. I then participated in the JAF Junior Karting Championships (Japanese ASN) and I also had the chance to compete in some races in Italy. In 2015, I represented my country, Japan, in the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy.

What have you gained from the support of the FIA Commission for Women in Motor Sport this year?
– I was pleasantly surprised to have been chosen, because I still lack experience. I was happy but also a little anxious not to disappoint. The Commission helped me financially to participate in the 2016 Academy Trophy. I received advice from Henny Hemmes who came specially to see me at Essay (FRA). The media are more interested in me, I did a lot of interviews and I was on television in Portugal. This is an important aspect for the rest of my career. I thank the Committee members for all they have done to me.

How was the 2016 season?
It has not been easy, my results were not very good. I’m pretty fast in pure speed, but I have had difficulties in the race. I think I really wanted to do well and I maybe rushed too much, sometimes. I posted the 8th fastest time in Qualifying Practice in France, but I retired in the Final during a clash on the first lap. The Competition in Portugal was catastrophic. It went better in Sweden with a 13th time in Qualifying, 5th in my group. I had to retire in the first Heat and also in the Prefinal, but I am proud to have risen from 34th to 20th place in the Final.

Info CIK-FIA / © Photo KSP