Autopolis - Qualifying: Iwasa responds to Ohta and takes pole position

A few weeks after an opening weekend dominated by Kakunoshin Ohta at Motegi, reigning champion Ayumu Iwasa responded in the best possible way. At the Autopolis circuit, the venue for the third round of the 2026 Super Formula season, the Team Mugen driver secured pole position by controlling all qualifying sessions.

Published 25/04/2026 à 11:45

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Autopolis – Qualifying: Iwasa responds to Ohta and takes pole position

Under a spring sun and before a large crowd, qualifying lived up to all expectations. The elimination format (Q1, Q2, Q3) delivered a thrilling finale between the championship's main contenders. Five drivers battled for pole position in Q3: Ayumu Iwasa, Tomoki Nojiri, Kakunoshin Ohta, Sacha Fenestraz, and Sena Sakaguchi. But this time, unlike at Motegi, the order went in favor of Ayumu Iwasa, the reigning champion supported by Red Bull.

First to start his decisive lap, Iwasa made a strong statement by setting the fastest time in two of the three sectors. With a time of 1:25.866, he left no chance for his rivals. Behind him, championship leader Kakunoshin Ohta, despite setting the fastest first sector, compromised his chances in the final corner and had to settle for second place (1:26.139). Tomoki Nojiri completed the top three, making it a Honda-powered sweep at the front.

A duel reignited

This pole position, Iwasa's second of the season after his pole at Motegi, has a special significance. In the opening round, the Japanese driver saw his hopes of victory dashed by an imperious Kakunoshin Ohta, who secured a resounding one-two finish and became the new championship leader. Caught out in the rain during Race 1 and then hampered by a mistake at the end of Race 2, Iwasa left the weekend empty-handed, or nearly so, under immense pressure.

At Autopolis, the message is clear: the reigning champion is resilient. Facing him, however, Ohta is confirming his growing strength. Already impressive at Motegi, where he demonstrated speed, control, and strategic acumen, the Dandelion Racing driver is establishing himself as Iwasa's main rival in the title race. His front-row start this Saturday is further proof of that.

The final answer will be revealed in the race. The third round of the season will take place this Sunday, April 26, again at the Autopolis circuit, with a highly anticipated Iwasa-Ohta duel.