The time has finally come for the twelfth and final round of the 2010 Formula Challenge Japan season. A total of three races were held at Suzuka Circuit including Round 10, which had been cancelled at the previous F1 support race.

"Above all else, it's important to have the lead at the start," said Takamitsu Matsui, who was ranked 2nd overall after the practice round held on Friday, November 5. Matsui worked his pedals very carefully to make sure he got away to the best possible start.

The next day in Round 10-held first thing in the morning before Rounds 11 and 12-Matsui did get away quickly but was judged to have jumped the gun and ended up with a drive-through-penalty. "I was too aggressive because I was concentrating too much on getting a fast start," he recalled.

Starting in 2nd place for both Rounds 11 and 12, Matsui made a careful start in Round 11 and maintained his position until the chequered flag. Round 12, held on the 7th, saw him move to the top of the field through exquisite timing and acceleration.

Finishing 2nd, Matsui commented, "I thought that if I led at the start I would be able to win the race, but I hadn't warmed up my tyres enough so I couldn't improve my pace and ended up being overtaken. It's frustrating because my pace in the second half was good. I am happy though that I drove a fair race in the last round as well." Matsui finished this season ranked 2nd in the points standings.

Mitsunori Takaboshi, who had finished 12th in Round 10, had a disappointing result in the following qualifying session as well. However, in the race he showed an attitude of "knock them off one by one," and in Round 11 he seized every little opportunity to climb three places for a 14th-place finish.

Although Takaboshi dropped places at the start of Round 12, he gradually improved though an aggressive drive. Nevertheless, he went off track at half distance and ended up in 14th place, explaining, "I was concentrating too hard on chasing and neglected my gear-changes."

Looking back on his season, Takaboshi commented, "As I thought, the challenge for me was qualifying. I have to learn more about using new tyres to get to the front in qualifying. I've been able to learn a lot about chasing cars in front of me, and compared to the start of the season I've improved some aspects of my racing including my handling technique. I wanted to improve faster to get a result."

David Zhu's challenge this time would be how to use his new tyres. During practice runs the attack times with the new rubber were not very good. "When I drove with the new tyres, they told me I wasn't using the grip they have to their full potential," said Zhu.

David Zhu's challenge this time would be how to use his new tyres. During practice runs the attack times with the new rubber were not very good. "When I drove with the new tyres, they told me I wasn't using the grip they have to their full potential," said Zhu.

In the 12th round, Zhu was passed at an unexpected spot and finished 11th. Looking back on the year he said, "this season, by racing as part of NDDP, my previously rough driving style has become more precise, and I feel like I've been able to put together a complete lap."

After finishing 8th in Round 10, Kondo took personal bests of 4th and 5th in the qualifiers. In Round 11 an exceptional start boosted him up to 3rd, and at times he showed speed on par with 2nd-placed Matsui to secure his first podium finish.

In addition to taking his first podium finish of the season, he was awarded a special prize for the most exciting drive of the race. "In the middle of the race I wasn't able to improve my pace and it was tough going, but I was able to make good use of my tyres and recover in the latter half. I'd like to keep this momentum going tomorrow as well."

In line with his statement from the previous day, Round 12 also saw Kondo jumping up to 3rd. However during the race he encountered mechanical trouble and was forced to retire. "Today I was able to mostly ignore what was behind me and just focus on chasing down (2nd-placed) Matsui. It is really regrettable that I had to retire."

After battling through this season the expressions of the young drivers has certainly become more hardened. More than the results, the totality of this experience will likely be of use for them all in the coming years.