Around 15 laps into the 41-lap race at the flowing Kyushu track, Lawson’s decision to pit early looked like it wasn’t going to pay dividends. With the majority of drivers opting to extend their first stints amid fears of heavy tyre degradation, the Mugen driver soon caught up to a pack of slower cars that prevented him from exploiting his new tyre advantage.
It looked like the race would be a straight battle between Miyata and poleman Sho Tsuboi, who had around five seconds in hand over Miyata when Lawson dived for the pits, but saw his advantage steadily eroded after that as he struggled for pace in his Inging machine.
