The late bloomer emerging from obscurity to become Honda's new hero
He's hardly one of the best-known names on the Japanese racing scene. But in his eighth season of Super Formula Tomoki Nojiri is in the form of his career, with a key change prior to 2020 having a transformative effect on his confidence and elevating him to the position of 2021 title favourite
With four races down and three to go in the 2021 Super Formula season, a clear favourite for the crown in Japan’s top single-seater series has emerged. But it’s a name that even committed European motorsport fans would be forgiven for being unfamiliar with.
It’s been over a decade since long-time Honda man Nojiri last contested a race outside of Japan. In that time, he’s steadily built his reputation as one of the fastest drivers in both Super Formula and SUPER GT, but – at least until now – he has nothing in the way of championship silverware to show for his efforts.
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