Round 8 Review: Iofi's Dan Evans Dominates on Home Turf While Evelyn Kuromi Takes the Night by Storm

22 January - The 2024-25 Formula Hololive International season delivered back-to-back drama in Round 8 as the series raced through Phillip Island and Buriram in a compressed schedule, all to accommodate Hololive’s upcoming World Tour in Taipei. Both races proved to be action-packed, with standout performances across Split A and Split B, and the guest entry JP-class car shaking up the standings.

Split A saw the picturesque Phillip Island Circuit play host to an action-packed morning race in Split A, as Australia's own Dan Evans secured a thrilling home victory for Airani Iofifteen. Starting from 5th, Evans showcased his strategic brilliance and tire management skills in a race dictated by frequent pit stops and lapped car navigation. The roar of the local crowd fueled his impressive charge to the front, leaving rivals in his wake.

Liam Kai, representing Hakos Baelz, put up a strong fight. Starting from 8th, he clawed his way through the field and kept Evans honest until the end, ultimately crossing the line in 2nd. With Hakos Baelz’s Australian heritage, Kai had plenty of fans cheering him on as he masterfully navigated the crowded track.

In 3rd, Ethan Berthelsen delivered a stellar drive for Nanashi Mumei, capitalizing on his 6th-place starting position. Consistent pace and a calm approach amid the chaos earned him his second podium of the season.

The race saw its share of incidents, most notably on Lap 1 when Aziz Muazif (Ayunda Risu) and Grave Prower (Gawr Gura) collided at Turn 2. Both drivers recovered and finished in 10th and 7th, respectively. Meanwhile, Haziq Yazid (Shiori Novella) had an off-track moment at Turn 4 on Lap 39 but managed to rejoin, as did Ludwig Boschwald (Cecilia Immergreen), who had a similar incident shortly after.

In Split B, the glittering lights of the Buriram Circuit in Thailand after a six-hour delay provided the stage for a dramatic night race in Split B. Rising star Evelyn Kuromi claimed her maiden victory for Elizabeth Rose Bloodflame, starting from 10th and executing a flawless combination of aggressive overtakes, precise strategy, and superb lapped traffic management.

The race also marked the continued charge of Ryan Kagawa (Nerissa Ravencroft) to Split B following his mid-season transfer. Kagawa quickly adapted, finishing a strong 2nd after a race-long battle with Kuromi and Sven Jensen (IRyS). Starting from 5th, Kagawa’s sharp racing instincts were on full display, solidifying his reputation as a force in all splits including Split B.

Jensen, starting and finishing in 3rd, celebrated his first podium of the season. Representing IRyS, Jensen’s consistency and clean racing showcased his potential as a future race winner.

It wasn’t smooth sailing for everyone. Dawn Elys (Kureiji Ollie) took pole but suffered from a disastrous pit strategy, requiring five stops and relegating her to 9th. Similar issues plagued Mohd Shazren Redza (Koseki Bijou), who salvaged 10th. At the back, Mohamed Khashiu (Tsunomaki Watame) and Ahmed El-Ashour (Kaela Kovalskia) struggled with setup woes, finishing 14th and 13th, respectively, with Khashiu two laps down. Drivers and teams now shift focus to Round 9 doubleheader as Hololive's 6th Fes; Color Rise Harmony looms large in late February. How will the final three races lead to further shakeups in the standings?