It was a weekend of mixed results as KC Motorgroup Ltd. (KCMG) concluded Super Formula and All-Japan Formula 3’s opening event at Suzuka Circuit. Yuichi Nakayama rounded off the first round of Japan’s premier Formula series in thirteenth place, while Jersey-born driver Struan Moore’s debut JF3 race at the iconic Japanese F1 circuit yielded a points-scoring finish.
Super Formula’s first 43-lap affair saw Nakayama withstand challenges in his blue and white Toyota-powered Dallara SF14 on the highly demanding 5.807km track on Sunday. Demonstrating competitive pace, he fought his way to thirteenth place after starting the race from the back of the grid.
Yuichi Nakayama: “It was a trying weekend as we aimed for better results, but the Suzuka event made us aware of the areas that we need to improve on for the next race. Overall, it was a productive weekend and the car manifested its potential speed during the race. I’d like to thank all our fans who came to support us at Suzuka and I’m looking forward to being back in the car again at Okayama next month.”
The spotlight in F3 was on Struan Moore as he took on his maiden JF3 race at Suzuka Circuit over the weekend. The outing also signaled the official start of his promising Formula 3 campaign in the Far East this year. Moore completed Friday’s qualifying session, securing eighth position for Races 1 and 2.
JF3’s first on-track battle saw the British driver recover from a stall at the start of the race and went on to finish the session inside the points. The second race, which was held in tricky conditions, once again witnessed him overcome minor setbacks and cross the finish line in eighth place.
Struan Moore: “Overall, I’m very pleased with the clear progress we have made from winter testing at Suzuka to the first round. I scored points in my first race, which was a nice reward for all the hard work the team and I have put in these last couple of months. Unfortunately, two bad starts placed me on the back foot in both races. But these mistakes are exactly what I need to learn in order to move forward. The pace however was good and I would have been capable to run with the pack. KCMG has once again given me a strong package to compete with and I’m grateful for their work and time. I’m looking ahead now to Motegi where I want to finish in the points in both races to keep me in the fight for the top half of the championship. More to come!”
Ryuji Doi, KCMG Head of Motorsport: “The team had a challenging outing with the varying obstacles that we faced at Suzuka. However, Yuichi and Struan still delivered encouraging results and both our Super Formula and JF3 crew efficiently resolved issues throughout the event. We have a long season ahead and we will take the positives from the weekend to both championships’ upcoming rounds next month.”
To know more about Super Formula, please visit: www.superformula.net. For updates on All-Japan Formula 3, go to: www.j-formula3.com
For more information about KCMG please visit www.kcmg.com.hk. To keep track of all the latest updates, ‘Like’ KCMG’s Facebook page or follow @KCMotorgroup on Twitter and Instagram.
Yuichi Nakayama #18 KCMG Elyse Toyota- powered Dallara SF14
Struan Moore #19 Dallara F312 | Photo: All-Japan Formula 3
