Richard Lyons Crowned Formula Nippon Champion
Sutton Motorsport Images supported Richard Lyons has become the 2004
Formula Nippon Champion after a measured performance to take third
position at the ninth and final round at Suzuka.
The DoCoMo Dandelion driver started from pole position and led the
opening the opening laps of the race before a slow tyre change left him
in second position with rival Yuji Ide chasing hard.
Aware of the result permutations needed to claim the title, Lyons opted
to let Ide through and settle for third position, knowing that main rival
Andre Lotterer was in seventh and outside of the points.
Richard was suitably ecstatic after winning the prestigious title:
"I'm absolutely delighted. It is a tremendously satisfying feeling to
have brought DoCoMo Dandelion their first title. It's been a lot of hard
work this year and I'd just like to thank everyone at the team for all
their efforts.
"Formula Nippon has got to be the best preparation for Formula One that
there is and I'm very proud to be following in the footsteps of the
likes of Ralf Schumacher in winning this title." Continued Richard.
Richard Lyons' Formula Nippon Championship success is yet another major
motorsport title secured by a Sutton Motorsport Images supported driver.
The company, proud in its reputation for promoting and assisting young
talents, has had its supported drivers win the International Formula 3000
Championship, The British Formula Three and Formula Ford Championships,
and the FIA World Karting Championship.
Keith Sutton, Sutton Motorsport Images CEO:
"Many congratulations to Richard and the DoCoMo Dandelion team on his
fantastic title success at Suzuka this weekend. Formula Nippon is one of
the most prestigious single seater championships in the world and for
many a stepping stone to the highest echelons of motorsport."
-smi-
