Super Formula Preview: Rounds 4 & 5 at Suzuka

Credits: Super Formula

For one last time before an almost two-month break, Super Formula is back on the calendar for a double header at the Suzuka Circuit.

The Circuit:

The Suzuka Circuit is owned and operated by Honda and is located in the Mie Prefecture. It is one of the more challenging circuits on the calendar to overtake in, with prime overtaking spots being turns 1, 2, 11, and the Casio Triangle chicane. Drivers also take their chances trying to overtake at the S Curves, the Spoon Curve and the famous 130R.

The teams:

The circuit is a testing ground for the Honda-powered cars, and as such, they often have a considerable advantage over their Toyota rivals. Team Mugen and Dandelion Racing, in particular, have historically been the ones to beat at this circuit, winning 10 of the past 12 races here.

In the three races held here at the season finale last year, Nakajima Racing were also a formidable force, with them having at least one car in the top two in each race, including one win, their first in three years and the first win in three years from a team that wasn’t Team TOM’S, Dandelion Racing or Team Mugen. One of their drivers, Ren Sato, reckons Nakajima Racing is already a top team.

As they are in most other tracks, Team TOM’S have historically been the best Toyota-powered team around this track, as they are in most other tracks. This year, however, they don’t seem to be the outright best Toyota team. They’ve got stiff competition from ROOKIE Racing and Cerumo·Inging.

The drivers:

The talk of the season is the battle between Kakunoshin Ohta and Ayumu Iwasa for the title. Iwasa barely beat out Sho Tsuboi and Ohta for the crown last year, and intends to dominate this season, viewing it as his only way to make it to the Formula One grid. Ohta is rejuvenated from the losses of last season and has been the one to beat this season, winning every race so far this season.

Credit: Super Formula

Ohta’s teammate, Tadasuke Makino, has had a disappointing season so far, the title contender from last season failing to score a single point so far this season. He’ll be looking to turn his fortunes around this weekend.

So will the Team TOM’S drivers, Sacha Fenestraz and Tsuboi. The duo, who were among the title favourites heading into the season, have only scored a total of 3.5 points so far. They would need to maximise their performances this weekend to try to close up the gap to their rivals.

Seita Nonaka will also be feeling the pressure as the Super Taikyu frontrunner’s contract is ending after this weekend. He was brought in on a three-race contract to replace Kalle Rovanperä at KCMG, but since round three was cancelled, it has been extended to this weekend. He has finished only 17th and 19th in the two races this year, and needs a strong performance to secure his seat.

Nirei Fukuzumi, Sena Sakaguchi and Toshiki Oyu are also among those from the Toyota camp who could put up strong performances, with the former two scoring podiums in the only full-length race this year, that too at a Honda owned circuit similar to Suzuka, Motegi.

Last year’s Rookie of the Year, Igor Fraga, scored his maiden win in Round 10, held at this circuit, and finished on the podium in the race prior, also held at Suzuka. In the season finale, his teammate Sato almost scored his maiden win as well, but was denied by Iwasa and had to settle for a close second.

Honda’s rising star, Yuto Nomura, is also one to keep an eye out for. The reigning Super Formula Lights champion is already eyeing a maiden podium after a strong debut with B-Max Racing.

Weekend Overview:

Like the first two race weekends, rain is expected to hit the track this time around as well. Light rain is expected on Saturday, with a thunderstorm on Sunday morning.

This weekend follows the traditional double header format. On Saturday, qualifying takes place at 9:15 AM JST and the race at 2:45 PM JST. On Sunday, qualifying is scheduled for 10:25 AM JST and the race at 2:45 PM JST.

Edited by Liam Ploetner