Race 1 - Motegi: Kakunoshin Ohta tames the downpour and triumphs over Iwasa

In torrential rain at Motegi, the inaugural Super Formula round offered a dramatic scenario, marked by interruptions, retirements and a decisive change of leader mid-race.

Published 04/04/2026 à 11:30

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Race 1 – Motegi: Kakunoshin Ohta tames the downpour and triumphs over Iwasa

From the very start of the first Super Formula race, extreme weather conditions took over. After only three laps, race control was forced to wave the red flag, as the rain had rendered the track unusable.

The restart finally took place on lap four behind the safety car, initiating a lengthy neutralization period. It wasn't until lap sixteen that the green flag finally waved, releasing the 24 cars, with just over twenty laps remaining to determine the first winner of the year.

Chaos on turn 18

The respite was short-lived. On lap 18, a major incident brought out the safety car again. The collision involved Briton Zak O'Sullivan as well as Kamui Kobayashi and Ukyo Sasahara, forcing all three pilots to retire.

CHE RISCHIO PER BROWNING E O'SULLIVAN!

This is what happened to O'Sullivan's story, a brutal accident fortunately avoided, but my story!#SuperFormula #SFormula pic.twitter.com/JKUqi7ha1o

— ブルースケッタ (@bruceketta1655) April 4, 2026

Caught out by the weather at the rear, Luke Browning missed the safety car signal before spinning out, hitting Zak O'Sullivan in the process.

In SuperFormula, Browning missed the SC flag due to the spray of water and collided with O'Sullivan ahead pic.twitter.com/l2P6SejBud

— Holiness (@F1BigData) April 4, 2026

Kakunoshin Ohta's Masterstroke

The turning point of the race came on lap 20, during the restart. Having led from pole position, reigning champion Ayumu Iwasa was overtaken by his closest rival. In a decisive move, Kakunoshin Ohta surprised the leader to seize the lead.

Once in the lead, Ohta displayed absolute mastery, extending his advantage and protecting his position until the checkered flag, transforming his second-place grid position into a resounding victory in the pouring rain. Iwasa's title defense will therefore be no walk in the park this season.

Among the international riders, the experienced Igor Omura Fraga and Sacha Fenestraz delivered solid performances, finishing fourth and sixth respectively. Further back in the pack, the reserve rider of WilliamsLuke Browning crossed the finish line in fourteenth position. Despite the incident during the deployment of the safety car, he finished ahead of Charlie Wurz, who was sixteenth.