Naoki Yamamoto says he has no regrets about his botched passing attempt on Ryo Hirakawa in Sunday's Motegi Super Formula race, which put the Nakajima Racing driver out of the race.
At the time of the incident, Hirakawa was on his out lap after a slow pitstop that dropped him behind Toshiki Oyu and into the clutches of Yamamoto, who had pitted on lap 24 and had the advantage of warm tyres.
"Of course, I understand that if you are too far back, you can’t force a move. But I could see my rival, who was still warming up his tyres, braked early and I thought it was doable from that distance. For his part, Hirakawa said he was taken by surprise at Yamamoto's passing attempt, saying he felt already up to speed by the time the pair reached the traditional main passing point at Motegi."I was waiting for my tyres to warm up," recalled Hirakawa."But by the time I reached the S-curve [Turns 7-8], the tyres were already feeling relatively good and I used the Overtake System and tried to block Yamamoto.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Motegi Super Formula: Nojiri on pole, Lawson takes points leadReigning Super Formula champion Tomoki Nojiri took pole position for this weekend's Motegi round, as Liam Lawson tied Ritomo Miyata by qualifying third.
Read more »
Super Formula: Liam Lawson "grateful" with P3 after Q2 fearsLiam Lawson has admitted to relief at qualifying third for this weekend\u2019s Motegi Super Formula as rapidly changing conditions left him feeling \u2018worried\u2019.
Read more »
Super Formula Teams - Latest News, Analysis, History and MoreView in-depth 2023 information on your Super Formula Teams, along with history, news, high-res photos, high quality videos, expert analysis and opinions
Read more »
Motegi Super Formula race red-flagged after Lawson spinThe Motegi Super Formula race has been red-flagged after a spin for Red Bull junior Liam Lawson triggered a pile-up on the opening lap.
Read more »
Motegi Super Formula: Nojiri wins, Lawson 13th after first-lap chaosTomoki Nojiri put himself in the thick of the Super Formula title battle with victory at Motegi, as Liam Lawson ended up out of the points in 13th following a spin that triggered a first-lap pile-up and red flag.
Read more »
Makino hospitalised after heavy Super Formula crash at MotegiEx-Formula 2 driver Tadasuke Makino has been taken to hospital after being involved in a multi-car crash at the start of Sunday\u2019s Super Formula race at Motegi.
Read more »