Shun Koide, the reigning Super Formula Lights champion, has made a remarkable debut in Super Formula despite modest expectations for his first weekend with B-Max Racing. Qualifying seventh and finishing eighth in the second race, Koide demonstrated his potential as a formidable competitor. With impressive achievements in F4 Japanese championship and Super Formula Lights, Koide is now setting ambitious goals for himself in both Super Formula and SUPER GT series. Despite challenges, including a clash during a recent SUPER GT race, Koide remains focused on delivering strong results and eventually showcasing his skills on an international stage.

Impressive Debut in Super Formula

In his inaugural appearance in Super Formula, Koide exceeded expectations by securing a seventh-place qualifying position, marking B-Max's best grid slot in over a year. Although technical issues affected his start, he rebounded with an eighth-place finish in the subsequent race, establishing a solid foundation for the season ahead.

Koide's journey to Super Formula began with his graduation from the Suzuka Racing School in 2019 and continued with his victory in the F4 Japanese championship in 2022. Last year, he dominated Super Formula Lights, winning eight races with B-Max Racing. This success propelled him into Super Formula, where he aims to achieve Rookie of the Year status and secure podium finishes. Koide approaches the season calmly, confident that maximizing his potential will yield natural results.

Dual Challenges in SUPER GT

Beyond Super Formula, Koide competes in the top GT500 class of SUPER GT with Honda, partnering veteran Koudai Tsukakoshi. In his debut at Okayama, Koide contended for a podium finish until a late-race incident resulted in an eighth-place outcome. Reflecting on this experience, Koide acknowledges the importance of learning from mistakes to enhance future performances.

Placed directly into one of Honda's Bridgestone-supplied GT500 entries, Koide bypassed the typical learning phase, signifying Honda's high regard for his abilities. He recognizes the pressure to deliver significant results immediately and remains committed to achieving victories and competing for titles. While focused on excelling domestically, Koide harbors aspirations to compete overseas, particularly in the IndyCar Series, inspired by Takuma Sato's achievements. Koide views these challenges as opportunities to showcase his talents globally and emulate his mentor's success. His early successes suggest a promising future in motorsport for years to come.