Sato dominates end-of-year trials, Lawson 21st

The final tests of the year took place at Suzuka this week where one of the main attractions was Liam Lawson.

Published on 09/12/2022 à 11:33

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Ren Sato dominates the last tests of the year, Liam Lawson 21st

Liam Lawson took part in the Super Formula rookie tests. ©Super Formula

On December 7 and 8, no less than 26 drivers met on the Suzuka track for the official tests and the Super Formula “Rookie Test”. Double reigning champion, Tomoki Nojiri was not included in the entry list for this last outing of the year.

On the track, the best time went to Ren Sato. Twelfth in the last campaign with Team Goh, the Nippon was this time racing with Nakajima Racing, also powered by a Honda engine. The fastest man at Suzuka, the Japanese set the benchmark at 1'35"332 ahead of Ritomo Miyata (Team TOM'S) by only 18 thousandths and Naoki Yamamoto (Nakajima Racing) by just over a tenth. Note that the two teammates did not take to the track on the 2nd^e day.

On the rookie side, all eyes were on Liam Lawson. Member of the Red Bull Junior Team and reserve driver of the team F1, the New Zealander discovered the world of Super Formula with Team Mugen. While he could continue his career in Japan, the Kiwi finished these two days in 21^e place with a best lap of 1'36"510 while Kakunoshin Ota (Dandelion Racing) was the fastest among the novices (1'35"642).

https://twitter.com/SUPERFORMULA_En/status/1601018799171379200

The three other rookies, Igor Fraga (Team Impu), Cem Bolukbasi (Team TBD) and Raoul Hyman (B-Max Racing Team) all finished behind Liam Lawson running between 1'36 and 1'38 respectively ranking in the 23^e to 25^e Positions.

On the French side, Giuliano Alesi (Tom's) ranked 18^e with a best lap of 1'36"303.