Duval wins 2009 Formula Nippon Championship01/09/2009

For the first time in three years the Japanese Formula Nippon Championship headed to the Autopolis in Oita Prefecture, the only international circuit in Japan’s southern island Kyushu, on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August. Takashi Kogure (Nakajima Racing) dominated the race winning from pole position, but it was his team mate Loic Duval’s third place finish that stole the show, handing the French driver the 2009 series title.

Knock-out style qualifying was adopted again at the Kyushu event, with drivers battling it out over three time trial sessions. Several cars spun during Q2 leading to a yellow flag. Duval recorded his best qualifying lap during the yellow flagged period, meaning his time was deleted and he would start the race from tenth position. Kogure was quickest in Q3 claiming his third pole position of the season.

The weather was warm on race day with air and track temperatures reaching 30 and 47 degrees respectively. Pole sitter Kogure lost some ground at the start allowing Takuya Izawa (Docomo Team Dandelion Racing) to take the lead. A quick pit stop on lap 23 allowed Kogure to return to the front of the pack taking him on to the win. Duval drove an excellent race, moving from tenth on the grid and eventually finishing third, allowing him to claim the 2009 title in the process.

Nakajima Racing driver and race winner, Takashi Kogure, said;
“I made a bad start and I was disappointed in myself. But the team had prepared my tactics beforehand and I managed the tires well. I led after the pit stop on lap 23, as we had planned, and I was able to win.”

Nakajima Racing driver and 2009 Formula Nippon Champion, Loic Duval, said;
“After qualify it looked hard for me to win the championship, and to top it all off I went off at the first corner. I was at the back of the field. I kept going without giving it up and was able to gain positions. I am very happy to be the 2009 champion. I would like to say thank you to all, especially to Bridgestone for their support.”

Bridgestone senior technical advisor, Yasuo Teranisi, said;
“Due to the track conditions and layout, Autopolis is the circuit that demands the most from our tires, but our tires showed good results in terms of wear and performance. Congratulations to Kogure for winning here this weekend and to Duval for claiming the 2009 championship.”