Preview: D1GP Round 2 — Suzuka Circuit
Can Daigo Saito's V8 Lexus unseat Kawabata at his favourite circuit? D1GP Round 2 heads to Suzuka on May 3rd.
D1GP's second round of 2026 takes place at Suzuka Circuit on May 3rd — one of the most technically demanding venues in Japanese motorsport and a circuit that has historically suited driver Daigo Saito.
Championship Context
Masato Kawabata leads after his dominant Odaiba victory with 100 points. Saito (88), Kumakubo (76) and Orido (68) are all within striking range, making this a genuinely open title fight after just one round.
The Suzuka Factor
Suzuka's competition layout rewards rear-heavy cars with high-powered turbocharged engines — a description that perfectly fits Saito's Blitz Lexus SC430. His V8 has always found an extra gear at technical tracks, and the wide, fast sections at Suzuka provide exactly the kind of canvas where his style thrives.
Kawabata, meanwhile, has never won at Suzuka. His Toyota GR86 suits tight, grippy surfaces better than the high-speed demand Suzuka places on the front axle.
Our Prediction
Saito to push Kawabata hardest. Kumakubo is the dark horse. But in D1GP, the unexpected is always on the cards.