Written by Tarun Suresh, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri
Super Formula is returning after almost a two-month break, this time to the Fuji Speedway for the second and third races at the venue in 2024. The circuit covers 5.9 kilometres over 15 turns and features prime overtaking spots such as turns one and three, providing some brilliant racing when the series last visited Fuji.
An obvious change for the weekend ahead is the format. Instead of the usual format of Free Practice 1 on Saturday morning, Qualifying on Saturday afternoon, FP2 on Sunday morning and the race on Sunday afternoon, the weekend features a single Free Practice session on Friday.
Qualifying sessions then take place on the mornings of Saturday and Sunday, with the races in the afternoon.
Last time out at the Motegi Resort saw Tadasuke Makino take his second win of the season, and close the gap to Nojiri at the top of the standings to just five points. The championship fight should only get more exciting as the weekend goes on.
Someone who shouldn’t be ignored is Sho Tsuboi, who won the previous race in Fuji in a dominant fashion despite a risky strategy. He is only 9.5 points off the championship leader and is in prime position to take the fight to Nojiri for the outright lead of the standings by the end of the weekend.
The pole-sitter and runner-up in the last Fuji race, Toshiki Oyu should also be in the equation for the wins in the two races in the footsteps of Mount Fuji. Recent success in Super GT during the break should’ve also boosted his confidence.
Kenta Yamashita and Nirei Fukuzumi are two names you should keep an eye on during the weekend. The former was in contention for the win in Round five at Motegi.
Meanwhile, the latter was the favourite to win Round 4 at Fuji and most likely would have if it weren't for an extremely slow pitstop during the race which ruined any chance he had of winning.
During the break, Red Bull hinted at an end to their partnership with Team Mugen. What it means for the team’s drivers, Nojiri and Iwasa, who are a part of the Red Bull driver family, is unclear.
Qualifying for Round 6 starts at 09:00 JST (01:00 BST) and the race starts at 14:40 JST (06:40 BST) on Saturday, 12th October, while qualifying for Round seven commences at 09:00 JST (01:00 BST) with the race getting underway at 14:50 JST (06:50 BST).
Predictions:
Round 6 Race Winner: Sho Tsuboi
Round 7 Race Winner: Toshiki Oyu
What are your predictions? Let us know in the replies!
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