TOM’S driver Miyata holds an eight-point lead over Lawson ahead of the final two races of the season this weekend, with defending two-time champion Tomoki Nojiri a further two points behind.
Since the previous race at Motegi in August, Lawson has made five grand prix starts for AlphaTauri as an injury substitute for Daniel Ricciardo, making a big impression in the process - even if he was ultimately passed up for a full-time 2024 seat.
As Super Formula reconvenes for the first time since his rival’s temporary F1 promotion this weekend, Miyata says Lawson’s elevated standing in the grand prix paddock can only be a good thing for his own future.
“The Mugen drivers [Lawson and Nojiri] have won five races this season, and I’ve won twice, so I have to fight against two drivers, which is really difficult,” Miyata told Autosport.
“But if I can win the championship, maybe I can open up my future more, so the title is really important to me.
“I know that Liam also really wants to win the title, but now he has become a Formula 1 driver and he was able to show the level of Super Formula to the world.
“If I can win the championship, I think I will have more chances to race worldwide. I will be able to say: I am faster than a Formula 1 driver!”
Miyata, who looks set to combine Super Formula with an assault on the World Endurance Championship in a Lexus GT3 car in 2024, also acknowledged the significance of Ryo Hirakawa’s recent call-up to a McLaren reserve driver position in Formula 1.
Source: Autosport