The Super Formula series is renowned for its exhilarating races and fierce competition, and the opening round of the final weekend at the iconic Suzuka Circuit was no exception. In an intense race filled with strategic maneuvers, unexpected twists, and nail-biting moments, Sho Tsuboi moved closer to securing the championship title yet faced tough competition, primarily from Kakunoshin Ota, who showcased remarkable prowess throughout the event.
Starting from pole position, Kakunoshin Ota, representing Dandelion Racing, maintained an iron grip on the race. His performance throughout the 31 laps established him as the clear frontrunner, creating a significant gap over his competitors. Even during two safety car periods that disrupted the flow of the race, Ota remained unfazed, ultimately finishing ahead of Tsuboi by a solid margin of 4.5 seconds. His ability to manage tire performance and capitalize on his starting position reflected not only his skill but also the strength of the Dandelion Racing team. As he smoothly navigated the track and distanced himself from his rival, Ota’s dominance was undeniable.
For Tsuboi, the race was a blend of challenges and strategic brilliance. Starting in fifth position behind his title rival Tadasuke Makino, his pathway to a strong finish appeared complex from the onset. However, the race unfolded in a manner that worked in his favor. Just as the race commenced, a stalled vehicle—Ayumu Iwasa’s—created chaos on the grid, providing Tsuboi a vital opportunity to advance. Furthermore, Ren Sato’s unfortunate pitstop incident that resulted in a lost wheel further paved the way for Tsuboi’s ascendancy.
Tsuboi’s decision to adopt an overcut strategy—pitting a lap later than Makino—was crucial. As he emerged from the pits on cold tires, his experience shone through as he established himself in a comfortable net second position. Nonetheless, despite his claims of second place, Tsuboi found it challenging to pose a threat to Ota, especially during the safety car restarts where both competitors struggled to gain significant ground on their respective gaps.
While the race elucidated the strengths of Tsuboi and Ota, it simultaneously marked a disappointing chapter for Tomoki Nojiri. After qualifying in a disheartening 14th position due to a red-flag incident, Nojiri’s hopes of clinching a third Super Formula title dwindled rapidly. Despite displaying commendable skill throughout the race to move up to the fifth position, it proved insufficient to stay within touching distance of Tsuboi. His inability to overcome the 23-point gap highlighted the volatility of racing as external circumstances influenced not just individual performances but championship outcomes.
Among the noteworthy performances was Sena Sakaguchi, who achieved his best result of the season by finishing fourth. Competing for Inging, Sakaguchi successfully maneuvered his way through the race’s ups and downs, securing a formidable position ahead of Nojiri. In contrast, Naoki Yamamoto of Nakajima Racing delivered a commendable performance as he prepared for his imminent departure from Super Formula. The race was marked by hazardous incidents, including a significant clash at the Spoon Curve, which further ensued into the second safety car period, thus emphasizing the race’s unpredictable nature.
Despite the challenges faced by many drivers, the conclusion was marked by a sense of achievement for Tsuboi, who took an 18.5-point lead into the final round, leaving an enticing competition for what was to come. Only 14 cars managed to finish in a race characterized by attrition and difficulty, leaving fans mesmerized by the spectacle. As the team and drivers gather their insights and experiences from the Suzuka race, the anticipation grows for the grand finale, where everything will be on the line. The Suzuka race weekend encapsulated the essence of Super Formula: a thrilling blend of strategy, skill, drama, and the relentless pursuit of victory.