The Suzuka Circuit echoed with the roar of Super Formula cars as Honda’s factory drivers flexed their dominance during the two-day winter test. Leading all four sessions, Honda solidified its position as the team to beat in the 2025 season.
Makino and Ohta Shine for Dandelion Racing
Tadasuke Makino delivered the fastest lap of the test so far, clocking an impressive 1m35.597s on Thursday afternoon. His Dandelion Racing teammate Kakunoshin Ohta trailed just behind with a 1m35.656s, showcasing the team’s remarkable consistency. Makino and Ohta, fresh off a season that saw them clinch the Teams’ Championship with four combined wins, will remain with Dandelion Racing in 2025.
Ohta, however, will shift his focus exclusively to Super Formula after stepping away from the GT500 class in Super GT, as he prepares for a new program with Acura Meyer Shank Racing in IMSA.
Honda’s Lineup for 2025 Takes Shape
Honda also confirmed a solid lineup for the upcoming season. Two-time Super Formula champion Tomoki Nojiri and 2024 Rookie of the Year Ayumu Iwasa will stay with Team Mugen. Meanwhile, Ren Sato will continue with Nakajima Racing, which is expected to announce additional drivers for its two cars, as well as lineups for B-Max Racing and ThreeBond Racing.
Ren Sato, who topped Wednesday’s session with a 1m36.337s, ended fifth overall on Thursday, just behind Nojiri.
Toyota Responds with Promising Performances
Toyota-powered drivers showed flashes of brilliance, with Cerumo-INGING’s Sena Sakaguchi leading the charge. Sakaguchi posted a 1m35.967s to finish third on Thursday, followed by teammate Toshiki Oyu in sixth. Former Formula E driver Sacha Fenestraz, now with TOM’S Toyota, returned to the Super Formula paddock, setting the tenth-fastest time at 1m36.591s.
Rookie Standouts: Igor Fraga Impresses
Among the rookies, Igor Fraga stole the spotlight in Nakajima Racing’s No.64 Honda. The Brazilian-Japanese driver topped all four sessions among the newcomers, setting a best lap of 1m36.252s, good enough for seventh overall and ahead of reigning champion Sho Tsuboi.
Toyota-backed Seita Nonaka, Super Formula Lights champion Syun Koide, and former WEC driver Oliver Rasmussen also had strong showings, though they trailed Fraga in the rookie rankings.
Crashes and Comebacks
The test wasn’t without drama. Mitsunori Takaboshi in the second Impul car spun exiting the Hairpin Corner on Thursday, though his earlier lap of 1m37.802s remained quicker than those set by rookies James Hedley and Juan Manuel Correa for Kondo Racing.
A Historic Step for Miki Koyama
W Series alumna Miki Koyama made waves with her debut in the No.8 KCMG Toyota, completing 62 laps and setting a best time of 1m38.078s. Koyama’s test marks a significant step in her bid to become only the fifth woman in Super Formula history.
Exciting Additions to the Grid
The final day of testing, reserved exclusively for rookies, will feature notable debuts. Williams Academy driver Zak O’Sullivan, a late addition to the lineup, will pilot Kondo Racing’s No.4 Toyota. O’Sullivan, the 2023 FIA Formula 3 runner-up, aims to make a strong impression after his promising but truncated Formula 2 campaign.
What’s Next?
The final day of testing on Friday will see additional rookies, including Haas F1’s Oliver Bearman, take to the track. As teams finalize their lineups, all eyes will be on Honda and Toyota to see how their squads will shape up for the 2025 season. With new talent and veteran powerhouses, the stage is set for an exhilarating year in Super Formula.
