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In an electrifying Super Formula race held at Fuji, Kakunoshin Ohta emerged victorious, securing his third win of the current season. This significant triumph not only revitalizes his championship aspirations but also brings an end to Sho Tsuboi's previously unchallenged winning streak at this circuit, a formidable record that has stood since his move to TOM'S at the start of the previous year. Ohta's strategic prowess and relentless driving were instrumental in clinching this victory for Dandelion Racing, marking their first success at this esteemed venue since 2008.

The race was characterized by a captivating three-way contest involving Ohta, Tsuboi, and Ayumu Iwasa. After an initial exchange of positions on the opening lap where Ohta momentarily led before Tsuboi regained the advantage, the leading duo established a clear gap from the rest of the field. A pivotal moment occurred on lap 19 with the deployment of a safety car, following an incident involving Seita Nonaka's TGM car. This period proved advantageous for Iwasa, who had pitted earlier on lap eight, allowing him to narrowly secure the lead ahead of Tsuboi during the pit stops.

Upon the race restart on lap 25, Iwasa, despite running on older tires, tenaciously held off Tsuboi, while Ohta consistently applied pressure to the TOM'S driver. Ohta capitalized on an intense side-by-side skirmish between Iwasa and Tsuboi on lap 30, skillfully overtaking Tsuboi for second place on the subsequent lap. The decisive move came on lap 33, as Ohta surged past Iwasa at Turn 1, ultimately building a commanding 7.1-second lead to claim a well-deserved victory. While Iwasa finished strong in second, Tsuboi's third-place finish means he retains the championship lead, albeit with a reduced three-point advantage over Ohta, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season. Meanwhile, Kamui Kobayashi achieved his best result of the season, finishing fourth, and other notable results saw Sacha Fenestraz in fifth after Ren Sato received a five-second penalty, dropping him to sixth.

This thrilling race at Fuji serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance, strategic thinking, and seizing opportunities are key ingredients for success in any competitive endeavor. Ohta's victory, achieved through a blend of skill and timely decisions, underscores the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and maintaining unwavering focus on one's goals. It highlights that even against a dominant force, dedication and calculated risks can pave the way for triumph and inspire others to push their limits.

Fuji's Fiercest Fight: Ohta Claims Dominance in Super Formula Epic!

An Epic Duel for Supremacy at Fuji International Speedway's Second Race

Kakunoshin Ohta orchestrated a magnificent performance to clinch his third win of the 2025 Super Formula season at Fuji's second race, ending Sho Tsuboi's impressive winning streak at the venue. This significant triumph not only propelled Dandelion Racing to their first victory at the Toyota-owned track since 2008 but also injected fresh momentum into Ohta's championship aspirations.

Early Race Dynamics: Pole Position and Intense Opening Laps

Reigning champion Sho Tsuboi, starting from his first pole position of the season, initially held the lead. However, Ohta, lining up alongside him, wasted no time in challenging, with positions being exchanged twice on the opening lap. Ohta momentarily seized the advantage at Turn 1, only for Tsuboi to reclaim it at the challenging Turn 13 right-hander. For a considerable portion of the 41-lap race, the leading duo maintained a narrow gap, establishing a clear lead over the rest of the field.

Strategic Turning Point: Safety Car Intervention and Pit Stop Drama

The race's complexion dramatically shifted on lap eight when Ayumu Iwasa, positioned fifth behind Toshiki Oyu and Ren Sato, made an early pit stop, a decision that would later prove crucial. The emergence of the safety car on lap 19, following Seita Nonaka's TGM car losing a wheel, prompted a flurry of activity in the pit lane. Tsuboi and Ohta, along with others yet to pit, dove in, but Iwasa's earlier stop allowed him to narrowly gain position ahead of Tsuboi at the safety car line, showcasing the strategic foresight of his team.

The Decisive Battle: Ohta's Masterful Overtake and Victory Margin

Upon the race's restart on lap 25, Iwasa, despite being on older tires, resiliently held onto the lead against Tsuboi, while Ohta relentlessly pressured the TOM'S driver. In a thrilling sequence on lap 30, Ohta capitalized on a side-by-side skirmish between Iwasa and Tsuboi to seize second place. Just two laps later, Ohta executed the race's defining move at Turn 1, overtaking Iwasa to take the lead. From there, he steadily pulled away, eventually securing a dominant 7.1-second victory margin, while Iwasa had to settle for another second-place finish.

Championship Implications and Other Notable Performances

Tsuboi's third-place finish means he retains the championship lead, but his advantage over Ohta has now been reduced to a mere three points, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season with five races remaining. Kamui Kobayashi achieved his best result of the season, finishing fourth for KCMG after skillfully passing Sato's Nakajima Racing machine during the restart. Ren Sato, however, dropped to sixth due to a five-second time penalty incurred for going off track behind the safety car, placing him behind Sacha Fenestraz of TOM'S. Toshiki Oyu secured seventh for Inging, followed by Kenta Yamashita of Kondo Racing in eighth. Tadasuke Makino, Ohta's Dandelion teammate, had a challenging race, finishing a disappointing ninth and falling to third in the standings, 13 points adrift of Tsuboi. Tomoki Nojiri, Iwasa's Mugen teammate, also faced a difficult day, starting and finishing in 12th after a qualifying setback. Other notable outcomes included Zak O'Sullivan's 16th-place finish and Igor Fraga's 18th position after a second pit stop following contact with Oyu under the safety car.