Sacha caught in unfortunate accident in Okayama

The French-Argentinian driver managed to get a podium finish on his Super Formula debut with Kondo Racing at the opening round at Twin Ring Motegi. He went into the second round third in the drivers’ championship.

In qualifying Sacha found his pace from the previous race. In his qualifying group - which consisted of defending champion Nick Cassidy and two-time champion Naoki Yamamoto - he managed to go third fastest to move into Q2.

It was a similar story in the second qualifying session. Sacha was the second fastest of anyone going into the battle for pole position for the race. With all the fastest times happening late on, Sacha was able to qualify in third behind Ryo Hirakawa and Ritomo Miyata.

Sacha was in a great position to achieve another good result in Super Formula and carry on a title challenge in his debut season. Despite a disruption to the start of the race after an incident on the warm-up lap, Sacha got a good start and was in position to battle for second position on the outside of the first turn.

Behind him however Toshiki Oyu locked up and made contact with Tadasuke Makino, who Sacha was battling. Sacha was then collected by this accident, which damaged his car and forced him into the gravel.

Sacha missed out on more points and a race worth of experience but is already looking towards the next race.

“It was a shame as it was a good weekend up until that point. I got a good start and was battling for P2, but then I got collected by a car from further back and ended in the gravel.

“It’s a shame to retire at the first corner on the first lap with the experience I would have gained. However this happens in racing, what I will do now is move forward and start focusing on the next race.”

Sacha will next compete in Super Formula in three weeks time at Sportsland Sugo. However before that he will return to Fuji Speedway for the fifth round of the Super GT championship with Team Au Tom’s.