General
Red Bull junior Lawson takes another (small) step towards title in Japan
Red Bull Racing reserve driver Liam Lawson will start the seventh round of Japanese Super Formula Sunday at the Mobility Resort Motegi circuit from third position. The New Zealander will thus start five places ahead of his rival Rimoto Miyata.
With three races to go in the Japanese championship, it looks set to be a battle between Lawson and Miyata for the title. Both drivers have accumulated 86 points, 18 more than the number three in the standings, Tomoki Nojiri. Lawson is the championship leader as he won three races, against Miyata's two wins. At the track in Motegi, Lawson also grabbed a slight advantage for the upcoming race, with his third place in qualifying.
Worries for Lawson
It was a difficult day for Lawson. Super Formula qualifying starts in two groups, a Q1A and a Q1B. Lawson was in the first group. Had he driven in the second group, his 1.33.339 would have been good for ninth place, and the Red Bull Junior would have been eliminated in the first stage of qualifying. In his own group, though, the time was good enough to move into the second and final stage of qualifying with the top six.
In the end, Lawson thus managed to secure a third grid position. On paper, he should have an advantage over rival Miyata on Sunday (7.20 AM BST). Indeed, the circuit is seen as a place that does not suit the qualities of Miyata's TOM'S. The Japanese will start the race from the eight spot.