How Motegi's seasonal change could impact Super Formula title battle

Catching up with engineers from Team Mugen and Dandelion Racing as Super Formula title race moves on to Mobility Resort Motegi... (Photos: JRP, Toyota)

The seemingly never-ending wait for Super Formula action to resume will finally come to an end next week as the third and fourth rounds of the season take place at Mobility Resort Motegi. And the change from summertime to spring is sure to create a host of variables that give the weekend a different complexion from usual.

The last time the series raced at Motegi in the spring, it wasn’t even called Super Formula — you have to go back to the final season of Formula Nippon in 2012 for that, with the August date becoming established from the following year. The Honda-owned track has become synonymous with sweltering temperatures, and despite its reputation for being a tough place to pass at, has put on some good races over the years, not least of all last year’s thrilling all-Dandelion Racing duel for the win.

Things will be somewhat different this time. Long-range forecasts suggest ambient temperatures somewhere in the low 20s Celsius range, a far cry from the 34 degrees drivers had to endure last year. It will also mark the first time that the teams and drivers try the new-for-2025 Yokohama tyre at any track other than in Suzuka.

While these factors and others could bring some new contenders into the mix, it would be a surprise if the two strongest teams from the opening weekend at Suzuka, Team Mugen and Dandelion Racing, aren’t again at the forefront. So what are the two top squads in the Honda stable expecting from the weekend?