McLaren's Vandoorne collects first Super Formula win

©Super Formula

Recently-appointed 2017 McLaren race driver Stoffel Vandoorne took his maiden Super Formula win in Japan today at Okayama.

The Belgian's triumph was a fairly straight-forward affair. He launched his Honda-powered Docomo Dandelion SF14 from third on the grid but snatched the lead on the opening lap never to give it up.

The 24-year-old McLaren protégé won by a margin of 4.79 seconds form Yuji Kunimoto and former Jordan and HRT F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan.

Championship leader Yuhi Sekiguchi finished well down the order in 13th, as also did as current series runner-up André Lotterer.

A second round of the Japanese series shall be held tomorrow, while four more races spread over two race weekends, at Sugo and Suzuka, still remain in the championship.

Vandoorne's win at Okayama now puts himself in contention for the championship title.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.