Why TOM'S faces critical race for its Super Formula title hopes at Sugo
Momentum behind both Sho Tsuboi and Ukyo Sasahara heading into this weekend's third round of the season...
Photo: JRP
Super Formula returns to action this weekend with its annual visit to Japan’s Tohoku region and Sportsland Sugo. And for one team in particular, a good weekend at the Miyagi Prefecture track could be regarded as especially important for its title hopes.
TOM’S suffered a dismal start to the 2024 season at Suzuka back in March, as neither of its cars were able to crack the top 10 amid suspected engine problems. But Sho Tsuboi, who has replaced reigning champion Ritomo Miyata at the wheel of the lead TOM’S car, relabelled this year as the #36, had a much better run in last month’s second round at Autopolis, climbing from sixth on the grid to third in the race.
Based on that performance, and on Miyata’s stunning drive to victory at Sugo last year, you would say Tsuboi has every chance of notching up a first victory as a TOM’S driver this weekend. And if the 29-year-old has any ambitions of replicating Miyata’s title triumph from last year, a win at Sugo would be much-needed.
Japan Racing Insider caught up with TOM’S technical director (and de facto team boss) Jun Yamada to reflect on the events of Autopolis and look ahead to Sugo.