Kakunoshin Ohta Shines at Fuji Test
The recent Super Formula test at Fuji has reshuffled the narrative in the racing circle, especially with Kakunoshin Ohta clinching the top spot. His impressive performance comes on the heels of competing in the demanding IMSA event at Watkins Glen, illustrating not just his versatility but also his growing prominence in the field. This test didn't just spotlight Ohta; it also marked the return of Giuliano Alesi to Super Formula after a notable three-year hiatus. For Alesi, this is a critical moment to regain traction in a competitive arena, and his performance this year could be pivotal for his ambitions. Given how competitive Super Formula has become, Alesi's comeback could shake things up, but he needs to hit the ground running. If you’re assessing the potential for this season, it's worth paying close attention to these two racers. Ohta's momentum combined with Alesi's return sets the stage for a thrilling season ahead. Expectations are high, and the stakes are higher than ever, especially given the caliber of talent in Super Formula right now.In this week's in-season test at Fuji, points leader Kakunoshin Ohta secured the top spot, clocking in at 1m22.361s in his Honda-powered Dandelion Racing car. This impressive time, set during the qualification simulation phase on the second day, narrowly outpaced Igor Fraga by merely 0.017 seconds.
What’s telling here is Ohta’s remarkable ability to adapt. He arrived at Fuji just in time, having flown back from his stint at the IMSA SportsCar Championship in Watkins Glen. Despite the grueling schedule, he quickly showcased his competitive edge, not only by leading the opening session on Tuesday but also finishing fourth overall on the same day behind Fraga, Sho Tsuboi, and Tadasuke Makino.
Conditions Favor Fast Laps
Wednesday’s improved conditions were key for faster lap times, enabling both Ohta and Fraga to dip below last year’s pole position record of 1m22.417s. Tsuboi once again emerged as the top Toyota runner, ending the day a little behind in third place, 0.146s from Ohta. Notably, Nirei Fukuzumi, who is set for an F1 test with Haas soon, clinched fourth place at a track he knows well.
In terms of team dynamics, Fraga's teammate Ren Sato topped the morning session, contributing to Nakajima Racing's solid performance throughout the test.
Mixed Results for Returning Drivers
On the other hand, Giuliano Alesi had a rough comeback, finishing last overall in 25th position with a time of 1m24.012s. Despite the disappointment, Alesi was making strides, switching between KCMG cars throughout the test, but it raises concerns about consistency as he aims to secure a more permanent seat.
Simultaneously, B-Max Racing's decision to temporarily field Super Formula Lights driver Evan Giltaire paid off. He impressively achieved the fifth-fastest lap during one of his sessions, showcasing potential as a race contender for 2027.
Interestingly, after a stellar day of testing, the Super Formula circuit will next reconvene at Fuji from July 17-19 for a series of races, including a sprint event that fills the slot of the canceled Autopolis round. This dynamic scheduling is critical as teams start preparing for the finals of the season, adding more weight to the performances seen during this mid-season test.
