Kazuki Nakajima’s 2017 has started in fine fashion. 

The former Formula 1 racer added victory in the opening round of Super Formula from Suzuka to his win at Silverstone in the 6 Hours, beating Naoki Yamamoto and reigning champion Yuji Kunimoto. Andre Lotterer managed fifth as the best of the Europeans, while debutants Pierre Gasly and Felix Rosenqvist claimed 10th and 11th – the former enjoying a good battle with Kamui Kobayashi.

Nakajima’s pole time was just 0.8sec slower than the fastest race lap in the 2016 Japanese Grand Prix, underlining the speed the spec Dallara SF14 cars are able to produce. 

Watch highlights of the opening round (with Japanese commentary) below.

Former Nissan motor sport boss Darren Cox explained the magic of Super Formula in the June issue of Motor Sport, available now in the app or on the shop.

The championship has in recent years become home to many of sports cars best, not least Tom Kristensen during his career. The Dane spoke of his time in Japan during his recent Royal Automobile Talk Show podcast.