Race 1 of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Japan at the Autopolis International Racing Course was set to begin at 16:10 local time on Saturday May 6th, however, the race was subject to the whims of the mountain weather. Due to poor visibility caused by heavy rain and dense fog, the race which was originally scheduled for Saturday was cancelled and ultimately held on Sunday at 09:10. To the challenge of the rain-drenched track, the drivers of Ferrari faced Race 1 with tenacity and courage. Nobuhiro Imada and Noriki Kawasaki celebrated their victory from the top step of the Trofeo Pirelli and Coppa Shell podium at the second round.
Trofeo Pirelli. Nobuhiro Imada delivered an impressive first win, starting from pole position. Yudai Uchida extended his lead, however, difficult conditions caused him to spin, allowing Imada to take the top spot in Race 1. In the Trofeo Pirelli Am class, pole-sitter Kazuyuki Yamaguchi and his rivals AKITA, Motohiko Isozaki were in hot pursuit. Yamaguchi spun in a puddle, momentarily dropping down the order, but he quickly recovered and won the race.
Coppa Shell. Noriki Kawasaki and Michael Choi fought it out: On the fourth lap following the Safety Car's start, Kawasaki took the lead in unpredictable conditions and drove to victory. Masato Yoneoka also powered through difficult conditions to win the Shell Am class.
Following a highly charged Race 1 in the morning, the drivers were all set for the second race of the day. However, heavy rains necessitated the cancellation for safety reasons. The Race 2 will now take place at the third round in Fuji Speedway in July.