McLaren 2017 Formula 1 driver Stoffel Vandoorne finished his Super Formula season with victory at the Suzuka circuit.
Vandoorne stormed past pole-sitter Hiroaki Ishiura at the start to take the lead, holding onto it throughout the pit stop phase and two safety car periods to claim his second win of 2016.
Sixth for Yuji Kunimoto was good enough to secure him the title, while Vandoorne’s result helped him tie on points with Hiroaki Ishiura for fourth in the standings.
The Belgian made his F1 debut for McLaren in place of the injured Fernando Alonso at this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
He will compete in his rookie F1 season next season alongside Alonso at McLaren, after Jenson Button announced he is taking a year out.
Vandoorne claimed the 2015 GP2 title but failed to secure an F1 drive, switching to the Japanese Super Formula series for this year.
Driving for Docomo Team Dandelion Racing, Vandoorne’s victory in the second race at Suzuka – the final round of the season – was his third time on the podium this year.
He finished third on his Super Formula debut at Suzuka, before winning the first race at the Okayama circuit and the Suzuka finale.
