Kojima heads for TGP return

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The unique Kojima KE007 F1 car is undergoing a rebuild and could soon appear on the TGP grid.

This all-Japanese F1 project made its debut at the 1976 Japanese Grand Prix and, despite a major accident in qualifying, finished 11th in the hands of Masahiro Hasemi. In first qualifying he had posted the fourth-fastest time, and in the race he set a (disputed) fastest race lap of Fuji.

A group of enthusiasts led by Shouji Tochibayashi is restoring the car with the intention of racing it once more, possibly with Hasemi at the wheel.

Tochibayashi discovered the car in poor condition back in 1997, but is determined to recreate a piece of Japan’s motorsport heritage.