Nojiri Victory in Super Formula Race: Nojiri started first, and Lawson, who began third, had a hard battle in Turns 1 and 2 of the opening lap on Sunday. When Lawson attempted a hazardous pass on Team Mugen, Nojiri pushed him off the road and onto the curb.
After this bold move, Lawson lost control and swerved into the gang chasing him. Due to the hectic scenario, Yuhi Sekiguchi, Tadasuke Makino, and Nobuharu Matsushita crashed into other cars.
Authorities stopped the race, and Nojiri resumed first place. Nojiri beat his biggest rival, Toshiki Oyu, and won his second race of the season since Lawson’s crash was an accident. This victory inspired him to win a third Super Formula championship, a feat never before accomplished.
Nojiri was determined not to let Lawson win when he remembered the rough start. “I think I almost reached the edge,” Nojiri pondered. Liam may have thought I should have given him more room, but I was ready to battle to the finish. I can use my perseverance at Suzuka.
After the race, Lawson and Nojiri discussed it and decided to end their quarrel. We both resolved to forget and start over in the next race. He said, “There’s nothing else to talk about when it comes to our relationship.”
He added, “Maybe I made him susceptible, but I didn’t want to simplify his role or give him greater space. It’s unfortunate that happened. I often wonder if I could have prevented it, but I want to enter the last round determined.
Nojiri’s win puts him 10 points behind the title leader, Miyata, who finished fourth. The October double-header finale at Suzuka has 46 points left.
Before Motegi, the two-time winner indicated he wanted the championship battle to be more than one-on-one. The reporter said, “I thought the reporters were expecting Miyata and Lawson to have a confrontation.” When I saw that, I thought, “Hey, check this out!”
Also, “The battle for the championship is more captivating when more people are involved.” I’m glad I did that, and my goal is a third title.
