The opening round of the season got underway for the All-Japan championship formula categories on April 17-18. This season, two drivers from the NDDP are entered in the N class of the All-Japan Formula 3 championship.

The ace number (23) belongs to 20-year old Kimiya Sato. Ranked 2nd in the series last year, his aim now is solely for the title. Joining him in the team is 18-year old Daiki Sasaki (car number 22), who has stepped up from Formula Challenge Japan (FCJ).

Rain continued throughout Friday, F3's practice day. However, the weather at Suzuka Circuit improved for Saturday and Sunday. The pair of drivers was unable to advance in qualifying due to incorrect set-up on the cars for the conditions.

''Yesterday, we were in a good position but... in both qualifying sessions seeing Sasaki 6th in class was regrettable.'' Sato meanwhile, took 5th in class for both sessions. ''The car feels good, but we haven't been able to get a time,'' he said dejectedly.

At the Pit Walk, the senior Sato handed out original goods including mini-towels and stickers. Making his Pit Walk debut, Sasaki politely followed the requests of fans for commemorative photographs.

Under the setting afternoon sun on the 17th and the starting grid for the first round. Sato's machine is on the right in the row ahead of Sasaki. The gradually descending home straight makes starts at Suzuka difficult, though Sasaki is enthusiastic, commenting: ''First and foremost, I have to get past my teammate at the start.''

The red lights go out, signaling the start. Over-enthusiasm on the part of Sasaki leads to him stalling the engine. Sato meanwhile, makes a good start, moving well up and assuming his target. Sasaki pursued in an effort to regain his position.

''Compared to FCJ, it was easy to be effective in the slipstream and thus easy to pass,'' Sasaki commented. At the chicane he overcame his contemporaries from FCJ, instantly getting back behind Sato. Demonstrating a stable pace throughout, he finished 5th. A good score on his debut race in F3.

Sato after the start; the confusion among the cars ahead sees him emerge in a strong 4th. However, as the race goes on, the gap to the cars in front gradually increases; but he manages to keep the position and finish 4th.

''Right from the start I was able to stick with the 3rd-placed car and match his pace. Had it been possible I thought if I could get by the car in front and then block that would be my chance, but that chance didn't come.'' In preparation for the following day's second round, the meeting went until late.

The next morning Suzuka was bathed in fine weather. Round 2 would be decided in the morning. Though Sasaki had been able to maintain a steady pace from start to finish the previous day, this time he was unstable in the opening stages. Later on he picked up the pace, passing Sato to finish once again in 5th place.

Sasaki analyzing the 2nd race: ''We made big changes to the car's set up from the previous day, but weren't able to adjust it to my liking. Because we gradually came to understand how we should have run, we were able to increase the pace at the end. Our focus now is on getting a better start in the next round.''

In his preparation for the 2nd race, Sato also made major set-up changes from the previous day. Despite his pace suffering later on, in the early stages he managed to run as high as 3rd. On lap 15, he was passed by Sasaki at the first corner, and finished the race in 6th.

''There's one month before the next race at Motegi. The team will be taking a good look at the car, and I'll be spending a lot of time in meetings with them, because our only goal can be the championship,'' said Sato. Sato and Sasaki will both be aiming for the podium in the next round.