Liam Sceats returns to Japan for the final round of the Formula Regional Japanese Championship at Sportsland SUGO this weekend with the title within reach.
The Auckland teenager sits second in the standings ahead of the final three races, 28 points behind series leader Sota Ogawa.
Form, however, is on the side of Sceats, who won Race 2 last round at Fuji, with Ogawa failing to finish seeing the Kiwi claw back 25 points in the championship battle.
“This will be my final time travelling to Japan this year,” said Sceats, who has competed in the previous five rounds, achieving six podiums, including three wins.
“I’m super grateful to have had this opportunity, all thanks to my partners for their unwavering support on this endeavour, being New Sports Pacific Management, Omega Rental Cars, Giltrap Group and M2 Competition Management.
“The weather predicts that we are in with the chance of experiencing snow over the course of the week, so fingers crossed this doesn’t affect any of the running time this weekend.
“I’m also fortunate to have the support of Nico Caillol this weekend in Japan. He has been beyond helpful in developing me into a better driver this year, so I’m lucky to have the chance to work with him again this weekend.
“We are in with a good chance of being crowned champion as I currently sit second in the championship standings. I can’t wait for this weekend’s racing, and I am focused on optimizing every opportunity that comes my way to give myself the best chance possible to come away with this championship.
“I want to express my gratitude for all the support throughout 2023. The support always gives me that extra bit of motivation to perform at my best and achieve success with my results.”
Since the last round, Sceats has also won the Tony Quinn Foundation, securing a $70,000 scholarship to use towards next year’s Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship.
This weekend’s action begins with two practice sessions on Friday, followed by qualifying at 1.30 pm (NZ time) on Saturday and the opening race at 4.45 pm. Two further races take place on Sunday, at 2.30 pm and 6.15 pm.
Both qualifying sessions and all three races will be streamed live on the Japanese Formula Regional Championship YouTube channel.
Image: Supplied
