SEAN Walkinshaw is gearing up for a potentially decisive penultimate round of the Super GT Championship in Japan this weekend.

The Chipping Norton driver leads the GT300 with Autobacs Racing Team Aguri teammate Shinichi Takagi (pictured) by seven points heading to Autopolis.

If results go their way this weekend the title would be clinched, but the focus is just on increasing their cushion.

The circuit near Hita City holds happy memories for Walkinshaw, who claimed his maiden Super GT podium there last year.

He said: “Hopefully we’ll have a good result, the same as last year, but it is going to be tricky running with maximum ballast – which nobody else has. However, we’ll do our best to fight at the front.

“Autopolis is a proper old-school circuit and great fun to drive, but it is also very tricky and has no run-off so it’s important to get up to speed quickly and safely.

“I know the team will be doing the absolute maximum, as always, to give us the best possible car.”