“I really have to get results”: Toshiki Oyu on his Super Formula season, the incident with Nonaka and more
- Tarun Suresh
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Written by Tarun Suresh
Toshiki Oyu, currently driving for Cerumo·Inging, is considered one of the better natural talents in Super Formula. However, his results this season have been somewhat up and down, with three DNFs and two more pointless rounds shadowing his consistent points finishes. The most recent of his DNFs came at the season finale at Suzuka; contact with Seita Nonaka at the final chicane took both drivers out of the race.
Oyu took the time to discuss the incident and more with DIVEBOMB after the season finale.
“I was at the chicane on the right-hand side, and Nonaka was on the left. But we were not side by side. So when I was turning past the first turn of the chicane, I was unable to see Nonaka… We were not side by side. I thought I had the priority because I was ahead, and he wasn’t even in my field of vision. When I got to the second turn of the chicane, I was using the racing line. However, he was there… he was on the brakes very late and hit my car.”
Oyu was looking to be on track for a solid points finish before the incident. His teammate, Sena Sakaguchi, finished in seventh, bringing home a decent chunk of points. He reflected on how his race could’ve panned out had the incident not occurred.
“I believe I could’ve been in a good position in the race. I think Sakaguchi would’ve stayed where he finished, but I think I could’ve had the opportunity to get a good result as well. When the safety car came out, it was not at a good time for Sakaguchi. I think our strategy was really good. We did our best with what we had. Our strategy was the best we were able to prepare for what we expected. But unfortunately, after the crash, I couldn’t execute it.”
The incident also played into the hands of Cerumo·Inging’s rivals for fifth in the Teams’ standings, Team KCMG, who took advantage of the safety car with Nirei Fukuzumi. Sakaguchi was chasing down Fukuzumi towards the end of the race, but couldn’t get past him, which handed Team KCMG fifth place. Oyu shared his thoughts on how the incident played into the final championship standings.
“We were fighting with KCMG for points [in the Teams’ Championship], with a difference of 1.5 points. So it was really important for us to finish in front of Fukuzumi. I believe I would’ve been able to finish in front of Fukuzumi, but it didn’t happen.”
Earlier in the day, during the Round 10 race, Oyu had a close battle with Sho Tsuboi, who was involved in the title fight. He explained his mindset when battling Tsuboi and how the OTS (Overtake System) wasn’t all too helpful in the battle.
“Of course, I knew I couldn’t do a very risky overtake. I didn’t want to do that. But it wasn’t like I wasn’t giving him everything either. On Saturday, in fact, the Overtake System was really helpful in my performance. Today, I didn’t really feel like it was helpful for my performance. I think it was because of the condition of the day. Our car was a bit slower on the straight, so I think we lost a lot today, even with the Overtake System.”
Oyu has had a mixed bag of results this year. In fact, it is the first time he’s gone an entire season without scoring a podium. He reflects on his season so far and also reveals how he focused on what to improve for the following season.
“For myself, I think it was a season where I did my best. There were some places where I had to do more than what was possible. But my performance was not enough. I feel like I should’ve been in a better position… This year, I thought a lot about our next season, discussing with the team about where we should be, where we should take our car for better performance and better results.”
The driver lineups for next season are yet to be confirmed. Oyu expresses his wish to continue in Super Formula and his goals for the 2026 season.
“I hope to be here in Super Formula next year as well. I think I will; we don’t have a contract yet. I’m getting older, so I really have to get results. I have my goals and expectations for what I should be achieving. In Super Formula, it’s not only up to my driving skills… the car performance and the power of the team have to grow together… I want to do my best during the off-season; prepare the car, prepare the team, prepare myself so that from the start of the season, we are able to perform and do our best.”
Oyu has approached his Super GT season this year with a mental refresh, which undoubtedly improved his performance in the series. He’ll be looking to replicate that in Super Formula next year and grab a whole lot of good results.
