Super Formula – First victory for Pierre Gasly

Left since 5^e position, Pierre Gasly (Team Mugen – Honda) had a perfect race and took advantage of the setbacks of Kamui Kobayashi (KCMG – Toyota) to sign his first victory in Super Formula in Japan this Sunday at Motegi.

While the Frenchman had gained a place at the start, Kobayashi took advantage of an average flight from pole sitter Kenta Yamashita (Kondo Racing – Toyota) to take the lead. The Japanese is one of the drivers who started on soft tires and decided to extend her stint as long as possible, so much so that the Frenchman, who started on mediums, stopped before her.

Kobayashi holds all the cards until he stops at 39^e lap where a rear wheel attachment problem relegates him behind the driver Red Bull who now leads the race with a comfortable lead of 18 seconds over his closest pursuer.

Pierre Gasly therefore wins his first victory in Super Formula and is ahead of Kamui Kobayashi and Felix Rosenqvist (SUNOCO Team Le Mans – Toyota) who resisted the attacks of Hiroaki Ishiura (P.mu/cerumo INGING – Toyota), author of a fantastic comeback from 17^e the 4^e instead.

The last champions of F3 Japanese Nick Cassidy and Kenta Yamashita (Kondo Racing) finish 5^e and 6^e ahead of André Lotterer (Team TOM'S – Toyota). Tomoki Nojiri (Docomo Team Dandelion Racing – Honda), Koudai Tsukakoshi (Real Racing – Honda) and Kazuya Oshima (SUNOCO Team Le Mans) complete the top 10.

Find the report of the Motegi Super Formula event, in issue 2128 of AUTOhebdo, available tomorrow evening in digital version and this Wednesday on newsstands.