Super Formula preview: rounds three and four

Written by Tarun Suresh, Edited by Rohan Brown

Credit: Global Honda

Super Formula will be racing at Mobility Resort Motegi for rounds three and four this weekend! The circuit, built and owned by Honda, covers 4.8 kilometers over 14 corners. For the first time since 2022, the race weekend will be a double header (two rounds happening at the same weekend).

Like with all Honda-owned circuits, the Honda-powered teams are expected to have an edge over the Toyota-powered teams. Similar to the season opener, the double-header will most likely be a battle between the Mugens and the Dandelions.

Tomoki Nojiri has scored four podiums and one win here since 2022. While he has been struggling in the race since the final few races of last year, if he can find his footing, he could challenge for the win. His qualifying pace, however, has been top-notch lately, and he should be a favourite for pole position.

Ayumu Iwasa didn’t really have a great race at his debut at the circuit last year, but he has been in great form in the first two races and will be one to watch this weekend as well. Not to mention that he is chasing his first win and definitely has a good chance of getting it this year.

The Mugens could have the pace to win the race, but they struggled from significant tyre wear issues in the opening weekend, which might carry on to this weekend as well. The higher temperatures this weekend are probably not going to help either. 

Their qualifying advantage partially came from being able to get the tyres warmed up much quicker than the other teams. And higher temperatures should also limit that advantage too.

Reigning champions Dandelion opened the season by winning the two opening rounds. They also won the race at Motegi last year. With Tadasuke Makino and Kakunoshin Ohta at the peak of their powers, they will be the ones to watch.

Sho Tsuboi might not have the best shot at the win, but the reigning champion had a spectacular opening weekend, getting himself two podiums in the Toyota-powered Team TOM’s car. He could certainly bag another podium or two this weekend.

KCMG’s Kamui Kobayashi will be away in Italy, racing in the World Endurance Championship this weekend. He will be replaced by Seita Nonaka, who impressed KCMG during the rookie testing. 

Also, Rikuto Kobayashi (completely unrelated to Kamui Kobayashi) will be replacing the injured Oliver Rassmussen for Team Impul.

Session Times

On Saturday - Qualifying is at is at 9:20 AM JST, and the race at 2:30 PM JST.  

Sunday - Qualifying will take place at 9:10 AM JST, and the race at 2:55 PM JST.