GT World Series 2023 – Exclusive! Interview with Kazunori Yamauchi

It’s a car that I’ve worked very hard on with Adrian Newey.
Kazunori Yamauchi

Kazunori Yamauchi is probably the most influential man in the world of Sim Racing. Since 1997, his baby, Gran Turismo, has been the racing video game that has converted the most gamers worldwide to the love of motorsport. At this year’s GT World Series 2023 Grand Final in Barcelona, a select few of us were lucky enough to spend a few minutes with him. Due to the early morning, we were unable to film this interview. But I’m going to give you all the details of the conversation!

Here we go!

Sam (Les meilleurs volants) – What’s the earliest memory you have of racing cars?

Kazunori Yamauchi – Oh, it’s certainly the 1978 Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix. And the car that really comes to mind is the Lotus driven by Mario Andretti. I remember thinking how cool it was.

Richard (Race Clutch) – There have been many Vision Gran Turismo vehicles over the years. Has it occurred to you to design your own car? Is that something you’re considering in the future?

Kazunori Yamauchi – In a way, you could say it’s done with the RedBull X2010. It’s a car I’ve been working on very seriously with Adrian Newey. But I hope one day we’ll have other opportunities like this. What I’d really like to do is create a production model!

Sam (Les meilleurs volants) – Do you still take part in real races yourself?

Kazunori Yamauchi – Not since the 2016 Nurburgring 24h. Maybe I’d do it again, but since we launched the Gran Turismo World Series in 2018 I haven’t had the time to devote to it.

Yann (PlayStation France) – Do you think environmental transitions will have an impact on the racing world?

Kazunori Yamauchi – I think there will always be a place for combustion engines. Because there are some things that can’t be replaced, like the noise they produce. For example, Formula 1 cars are much quieter than they used to be, but even in the 2026 regulations, they will still use combustion engines. But at the same time, I think there will be more and more all-electric races.

Richard (Race Clutch) – Part of the fun of Gran Turismo is building a collection of cars. I assume you have your own collection. What’s been your favorite car to own in your life?

Kazunori Yamauchi – I don’t have enough cars to really call it a collection, but the very first Porsche 911 GT3, which I bought in 2001, is still a car I love very much. I drive it every day!