On 29 May at the Okayama International Circuit in Japan, GT Academy graduate Jann Mardenborough (B-MAX Racing Team with NDDP/Car #22) took his first victory in round 6 of the All Japan F3 Championship.

In this Championship format, 2 races take place on the same weekend: on the weekend of 27-29 May, round 5 and 6 were held in a row. Jann set new course records in the qualifiers on the 28th and achieved pole position in both races. However, in round 5 the rear lights of his car fell off, forcing him to the pits for repairs, and this ended his race in 8th place.

Starting round 6 the following day in the wet, he fell behind his team mate Masakazu Chiyo at the start, but when Chiyo went off track at the braking into the hairpin, he rose to first place. Undaunted by the slippery surface Jann continued to record the fastest lap, and more than made up for his results on the first day with his first victory in the series.

With this win Jann jumps to 2nd place in the season rankings, well within sight of the series championship just behind Kenta Yamashita. Watch for further achievements of Jann in Japan’s race scene, participating in both the Super GT and the All Japan F3 Championship.