Kobayashi tops Super Formula test

Kamui Kobayashi topped the first day of Super Formula testing at Okayama on Wednesday, the ex-Formula 1 racer driving for the Toyota-powered Team Le Mans.

The Japanese topped both sessions during the series' manufacturer test, setting his best time of 1m11.769s towards the end of the day during a qualifying simulation run. Kobayashi's best lap put him six tenths of a second clear of Nissan protege Jann Mardenborough, who was driving for the Toyota-powered Team Impul. The Briton's morning running had been curtailed when a brake problem sent him off the track at the first corner, bringing out a red flag.

IndyCar racer and ex-F1 driver Takuma Sato was third quickest in Honda's test car, making him the only other driver to get within one second of Kobayashi's best.

2014 Super Formula champion Kazuki Nakajima ended the day with the fifth-fastest time overall. After being second to Kobayashi in the morning session, Nakajima's afternoon running was hindered by an exhaust problem on the Toyota test car, which limited him to just six laps.

Just ahead of Nakajima in the top five was 2013 GP2 champion Fabio Leimer, having his first experience of the Japanese series with Team Mugen.

The test continues on Thursday, but most teams got through a busy program on day one as rain is expected for the second day.