Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Mugen "relieved" by Red Bull F1 junior O'Ward's Super Formula debut

Patricio O'Ward's debut Super Formula weekend was a "relief" for his Mugen team boss Shinji Nakano, because the Red Bull Formula 1 junior showcased an ability to adapt quickly

O'Ward made his Super Formula debut in tricky conditions at the Toyota-owned track, replacing Dan Ticktum at Mugen after he was axed from the Red Bull junior team.

The Mugen driver started at the back after a spin in qualifying but worked his way up to 14th at the finish to achieve his goal of making it to the finish.

O'Ward showed early underlying pace by placing eighth in second practice, less than half a second off the pace and quickest of the Honda-powered runners.

Mugen team director Nakano, a veteran of 33 F1 starts with Prost and Minardi in 1997 and '98 said he was impressed by O'Ward.

"I think the conditions were difficult for him," said Nakano. "Using wet tyres on a low-downforce track makes it even harder.

"Even in such a situation, he made no mistakes and made it to the checkered flag without damaging the car.

"I think [that result] had significance for him too, and it was very important for him to gather data for the team. I think this is will lead to results in future."

He added: "Because it was his first time in the car, and the first time with the tyre, we discussed different approaches during race week. But it is up to the person himself to be up to the task.

"It was the same in [Ticktum's] time, but [O'Ward] is particularly fast at absorbing information. On a dry track, he could deliver quick times very early on.

"In the race, even without much practice, he steadily improved his lap times. I was relieved because I could see his very high learning ability."

Helmut Marko, who oversees Red Bull's junior scheme, said he was satisfied with how O'Ward performed at Fuji.

Marko told FOX Sports Latin America: "The team is very satisfied. He showed good speed in the race, although he lost control in qualifying.

"I think that in the next race after he has more preparation time, we will be able to see him make further progress."

O'Ward is set to make three more Super Formula appearances this year and the next round takes place at Motegi on August 18.

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Why F1 should adopt open engine regulations
Next article F4 hybrids and TCR cars join inaugural Motorsport Games

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe