Suzuka International Race Circuit, Japan
Photo Credits: © Wataru Tamura Photography (Member JRPA*)
2025 Super Formula Lights F3 | Japan
Suzuka International Race Circuit
Round 1 | Races 1, 2, & 3
March 7-9 | 2025
Suzuka Highlights:
Practices: 1st through 5th in all practice sessions
Qualifying 1 Position: 5th Place
Race 1 Finish: 9th Place
Qualifying 2 Position: 5th Place
Race 2 Finish: 3rd Place
Qualifying 3 Position: 9th Place (start based on finish order of Race 1)
Race 3 Finish: 5th Place
SFL Championship Standing: 4th Place
Practice Sessions | March 6th & 7th: 1st through 5th Fastest (All sessions)
In the first event of the Japanese Super Formula Lights 2025 championship, Kaylen quickly came to terms with the track and grip, with strong promise for the qualifying and races in the weekend ahead.
Qualifying | March 8th
Qualifying 1 & 2: 5th Position
Following two rough qualifying sessions, Kaylen Frederick qualified for Race 1 & Race 2 in 5th place. The outcome was surprising after Kaylen ran in the top three or led in practice sessions going into the race weekend, however tire pressures were suspected contributors and likely not best suited for the cold temperatures. Head down and all eyes on start lights for the upcoming races.
Kaylen Frederick:
“It was disappointing to qualify in 5th position. During all practice sessions we were at the top or very strong on the live timing scoreboard. We’ll closely examine whether this outcome is owing to tires, setup, or the lessening of grip after SF cars were on the track.”
Race 1 | March 8th | Saturday
Starting Position: 5th Place
Finish Position: 9th Place
When the start lights went green, Kaylen stalled the car 58 at launch causing him to get underway in 14th place. With his head down and looking for speed, Kaylen successfully made 5 overtakes to move up to 9th at the race finish.
Race 2 | March 9th | Sunday
Starting Position: 5th Place
Finish Position: 3rd Place!!!
Starting the 2nd and final race of the weekend in 5th position. In a pack with Arao in 3rd heading Nomura and Kaylen Frederick (Pilot ONE Racing) and battling for the position, Kobuashi suddenly dropped off the pace at the exit of the Astemo chicane on Lap 3, due to transmission trouble and coming to a halt on the outside of the final turn. Frederick advanced to 4th.
Following the safety car and allowing removal of the stricken car, as the field was reforming for the restart on lap five, Arao, now in the runner-up position, went off track on the run down to Astemo chicane with plumes of smoke coming out of his machine. He managed to return to the track but was given a post-race penalty for running off the track behind the safety car period.
The race restarted with Sano leading Nomura, Frederick, and Yuga Furutani. On lap seven, Dragon (Team Dragon 324) suffered an off at Spoon Curve and came to a halt over the gravel, sparking another Safety Car period. Dragon’s car was quickly removed allowing the race to resume with one lap to go. Sano held onto his lead, Nomura finished second, and Frederick marked his first podium result of the season in third ahead of Furutani.
Kaylen Frederick on Race 2:
“After our poor qualifying performance, it was nice to get on the podium. We had strong pace throughout the race but unfortunately the multiple safety car periods kept us from making any further progress towards the front. But again, it was still nice to get a good result.”
Race 3 | March 9th | Sunday
Starting Position: 9th Position
Finish Position: 5th Position
Starting the third and final race of the weekend in 9th position, Kaylen advanced to 7th in lap one.
On lap 2, Frederick overtook Car No. 4 in Turn 1 moving up to sixth position. Over the course of three laps, Kaylen and teammate Zach David battled and overtook Car No. 3 advancing Frederick 5th. Kobayashi went off the track at Degner Turn on lap 8, managing to miss the barrier and return to the track just ahead of David & Frederick. The three ran nose-to-tail in the closing stages of the race, with Frederick following closely and looking to pounce on David and Nomura. However, the laps remaining were few allowing Kobayashi to hold on to finish 3rd behind Nomura, 4th went to David, and Frederick finished a brilliant 5th having started from 9th.
Kaylen Frederick Reflects on Race 3:
“Overall, I feel we were one of the fastest cars on track all weekend, we were capable of being on the podium every race, and challenging for the win. But we made the wrong decision in qualifying which set us back and compromised us for the entire weekend. In hindsight however, our pace is very strong. When we put together a more representative qualifying, the results will come.”
Championship Round-up: 4th Place
Next on the Calendar:
2025 Japan Super Formula Lights F3 | Round 2 | Races 4, 5, & 6
Autopolis International Race Circuit
May 17 – 18
Circuit Length: 4.673 KM | 2.9 Miles
About B-MAX Racing
For more information about B-MAX Racing:
http://www.b-maxracing.co.jp/
About Kaylen Frederick
For more information visit:
https://KaylenFrederick.com/
About Pilot ONE Racing
Pilot ONE Racing supports and assists young race drivers in developing professional driving careers, seeking funding, and reaching the highest level of motorsports in both the USA and Europe.
For more information visit ‘Contact Info and Partnerships’ at:
https://PilotONERacing.com
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