Challenging weather conditions at Suzuka saw just one lap of racing in the Japanese Formula Regional Championship at Suzuka over the weekend, where both Liam Sceats and Kaleb Ngatoa were in action.
Sceats officially finished on the podium in both races off the back of some impressive qualifying times, while Ngatoa was classified fourth in the opener before falling victim to the conditions in Race 2.
Race 1 was a complete washout, torrential rain hitting the circuit and seeing the field line up behind the Safety Car. Conditions worsened and limited visibility as the pack trailed the Safety Car for two and a half laps before the red flags were waved.
The race was never able to go green, meaning qualifying results determined the finishing order with only half points awarded. Kazuki Oki had qualified on pole, meaning the win was credited to him over Sota Ogawa, Sceats and Ngatoa, respectively.
Conditions had improved, albeit slightly, before the start of Race 2, with Ngatoa, the best-placed Kiwi, having qualified third, while Sceats started from sixth.
Just one full lap of green flag racing followed, with Ngatoa initially failing to get off the line as the lights went green. Sceats made quick progress over the sole lap, moving up to second, behind only Ogawa, who remained at the front until the yellow flags were shown on Lap 2.
The caution was unfortunately caused by Ngatoa, who had charged back up to fourth but spun at the Degner Curves and got stranded in the gravel.
The race was never able to resume from here, the field following the Safety Car for four laps before being declared as the rain worsened on Lap 6.
Half points were awarded once again, with Sceats holding second, his best result in the Japanese Formula Regional Championship to date.
Sceats is now fifth in the standings following the round, with Ogawa’s results seeing him retain the top spot by a hefty 24.5 points.
The Formula Regional Japanese Championship returns for three races on 10-11 June at Okayama International Circuit, but neither Kiwi have confirmed attendance for that meet as of now.
Header Image: Formula Regional Japanese Championship
