Kakunoshin Ohta, leader of the Super Formula championship, has been the fastest in this week’s test at Fuji. The DOCOMO TEAM DANDELION RACING driver achieved a time of 1m22.361s, recorded at the end of the afternoon session on the second day, in a qualifying simulation.
Ohta surpassed Igor Fraga, who had been the fastest on the first day of the test, by just 0.017s. The Japanese driver arrived in Fuji after competing in the IMSA championship at Watkins Glen, showing great adaptability despite his intense schedule.
After an intense start, Ohta completed the opening of the test in fourth position, just behind Fraga, Sho Tsuboi from TOM’S, and Tadasuke Makino from Dandelion. The track conditions improved on the second day, allowing both Ohta and Fraga to beat the previous year’s pole record.
Tsuboi was the best among the Toyota runners, finishing in third position, while Nirei Fukuzumi qualified fourth, preparing for a test with his Formula 1 Haas team later this month.
Fraga, who had the support of his teammate Ren Sato, finished the test in fifth position. Among the newcomers, Giuliano Alesi returned to Super Formula after three years, but ended up in 25th and last position with a time of 1m24.012s.
Alesi, who is looking to take over the seat left by Kalle Rovanpera, drove both KCMG cars during the test, unable to significantly improve his time. Also noteworthy was the debut of Evan Giltaire, who achieved the fifth-best time in his session.
The Super Formula team will return to Fuji from July 17 to 19 for the next races, including a sprint competition on Sunday that will replace the canceled Autopolis round.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
SourceID: SRC_fe2ca6be2b7ed636f20b5b2c564571dff7984cac