Unforeseen Circumstances Crown a New Champion in a Race of Shifting Fortunes
Fukuzumi's Fortuitous Triumph and the Impact of the Safety Car
Nirei Fukuzumi achieved his second Super Formula victory of the current season under highly unusual circumstances, following a safety car deployment that sparked considerable debate. This crucial moment in the race significantly favored Fukuzumi, along with Ayumu Iwasa, allowing them to gain a decisive advantage.
Fraga's Frustration: A Lead Lost to Unlucky Timing
Igor Fraga, who had been comfortably leading the race, expressed profound disappointment, believing the safety car period unjustly cost him the win. His Nakajima Racing team had chosen to remain on track while early frontrunners, Tomoki Nojiri and Kakunoshin Ohta, completed their mandatory pit stops.
The Pivotal Safety Car Deployment and Strategic Maneuvers
The safety car was deployed precisely as Fraga entered the pits, causing him to emerge just ahead of Nojiri's Team Mugen car and Ohta's Dandelion Racing entry. While most competitors followed Fraga into the pit lane, Fukuzumi and another Mugen car opted to stay out, avoiding the safety car before making their tyre changes a lap later. This strategic decision provided them with an immense advantage.
Reshaping the Grid: The Wave-By Procedure and Restart
Following this, the remaining field, spearheaded by Fraga, was granted a wave-by to re-establish the gaps before the race resumed on lap 36. This procedure effectively reset the race order, placing Fukuzumi in a commanding position.
A Tense Finish and the Final Podium Standings
The race concluded with a gripping stalemate among the top three. Fukuzumi narrowly held onto his lead, crossing the finish line just 0.505 seconds ahead of reigning champion Iwasa, securing his fourth career Super Formula win and second at the Sugo circuit. Fraga, despite his earlier lead, ultimately finished in third place.
Post-Race Reactions: Fraga's Protest and Points Standing
In his post-race interview, a visibly upset Fraga stated he could not accept the outcome and questioned the legitimacy of the results given the bizarre sequence of events. Behind the leading trio, Ohta managed to overtake Nojiri after the restart, securing fourth place and minimizing the impact on his championship lead, which now stands at 45.5 points with four races remaining.
The Rest of the Field: Top Ten Finishers and Notable Performances
Nojiri finished fifth, followed by Tadasuke Makino in the second Dandelion car. The remaining points positions were filled by Sho Tsuboi and Sacha Fenestraz from TOM'S, Zak O'Sullivan of Team Impul, and Ren Sato from Nakajima Racing. Luke Browning made an impressive comeback, advancing 10 places from his 21st starting position but narrowly missed out on points, finishing 11th. Stanek's race ended prematurely in the gravel due to illness after qualifying in a respectable 15th place.
