Ugo Ugochukwu Shatters Records at Suzuka Super Formula Test While Jack Doohan Faces Disastrous Crashes!
In a thrilling display of speed and skill, former McLaren Formula 1 junior Ugo Ugochukwu has stormed to the top of the Suzuka Super Formula post-season test, leaving his competitors in awe and a cloud of dust! The 17-year-old American prodigy not only set the fastest time of the final day but also claimed the title for the entire week, recording a blistering lap of 1m36.682s in the #1 TOM’S Dallara-Toyota. This remarkable feat was achieved during the two exclusive rookie sessions on Friday, where Ugochukwu showcased his undeniable talent, finishing an impressive 0.473 seconds ahead of fellow newcomers.
Ugochukwu’s superb lap eclipsed the previous benchmark set by Igor Fraga, who clocked in at 1m37.158s during the opening day of the test. Under the clear blue skies and perfect conditions—bolstered by a strong tailwind along the iconic Suzuka main straight—the stage was set for record-breaking performances. The top three rookies not only dominated their sessions but also cracked the overall top ten, proving their mettle on the challenging circuit.
In the midst of Ugochukwu’s triumph, Nirei Fukuzumi emerged as a formidable contender, securing third overall with a commendable time of 1m37.221s during Thursday’s action, driving for Rookie Racing. Ren Sato and Tadasuke Makino also made waves, showcasing the depth of talent in the field. Meanwhile, Tokiya Suzuki, the reigning Japanese F4 champion, impressed with a second-fastest finish on Friday, landing him sixth overall after stepping in for KCMG due to Kalle Rovanpera’s illness.
But not all was smooth sailing in the grid. Jack Doohan, the young Australian star and Williams F1 junior, found himself in a nightmare scenario, crashing out at the notorious Degner Curve on all three days of testing. Despite his valiant efforts to rebound after each incident, Doohan could only manage a best time of 1m38.350s, placing him ninth among rookies and a disheartening 26th overall. His teammate, Luke Browning, fared better, finishing fifth on Friday and 13th overall, while Zak O’Sullivan of Team Impul showed promise, ranking 10th on Thursday.
The atmosphere at Suzuka is electric, but not without its challenges. This year’s testing has seen significantly slower lap times compared to last year’s post-season results, attributed to the introduction of a new E10 ethanol blend fuel and tighter fuel flow regulations that have reduced the maximum fuel flow from 90 to 88kg/h. The benchmark from last year, a stunning 1m35.597s, remains a lofty goal for this new generation of drivers.
As the Super Formula gears up for its 2026 campaign, all eyes will be on Suzuka when testing resumes on February 25-26. Will Ugochukwu maintain his dominance? Can Doohan recover from his setbacks? Only time will tell as the excitement continues to build in this high-octane racing series!









