Suzuka tests: Day two interrupted by 4 red flags

There was a commotion at Suzuka during the second day of end-of-season testing held on the Japanese circuit.

Published 11/12/2025 à 17:00

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Suzuka tests: Day two interrupted by 4 red flags

Under a radiant winter sun, the second day of Super Formula testing took place at the Suzuka circuit on Thursday, December 11th. This session marked the end of the 2025 season for the regular drivers, before a few months of winter break. After a fierce battle in the late afternoon, Nirei Fukuzumi (Docomo Business Rookie) set the fastest time of the day, ahead of Tadasuke Makino (Dandelion Racing) and Igor Omura Fraga (Ponos Nakajima Racing).

Under clear skies, but with cool temperatures – 11°C in the air, 12°C on the track – the morning began at a studious pace. The teams took advantage of the rather good conditions to conduct numerous setup tests, while several familiar faces appeared in the paddock. Luke Browning replaced Teppei Natori at KONDO Racing, Tokiya Suzuki replaced Kalle Rovanperä, who was sidelined for medical reasons, while Sota Arao joined the ThreeBond Racing driver lineup and Yusuke Kunimoto took the wheel for KDDI TGMGP TGR-DC.

From the moment the pit lane opened, the regulars got straight down to business. Igor Omura Fraga, already dominant the previous day, initially took the lead with a time of 1:38.661. But the order quickly changed: Zach O'Sullivan snatched first place from him before Makino firmly established himself at the top with a time of 1:38.183.

Two red flags slowed down the session, first after Charlie Wurz (Team Goh) went off the track, then due to an oil leak from the gearbox of Fraga's car.

The afternoon session, held in slightly warmer conditions, was also extended due to Tokiya Suzuki and Sota Arao going off the track.

Ayumu Iwasa (Team Mugen) sparked the battle on the clock with a lap of 1:37.362, before Naoki Yamashita, Makino, Fraga, and Tsuboi joined the fray. However, it was Nirei Fukuzumi who defied expectations: fast in every sector, he crossed the finish line in 1:37.221, setting the fastest time of the day.

With this second day of testing, the regular drivers bid farewell for the 2025 season. The next event: the collective tests in February, which will officially launch preparations for the 2026 season. The rookies, meanwhile, will take to the wheel this Friday, December 12th, for an additional day of testing, where all eyes will be on young talents like Browning, Suzuki, and Arao.

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