Hoshino Takes Lead on Final Lap, Wins

Kazuyoshi Hoshino of Japan, driving a March 87B, won the opener of the Japan auto racing season Sunday.

In the first leg of the nine-race F-3000 series, Hoshino was in second position for 22 of the 23 laps, but took the lead when Geoff Lees of Britain, driving a Lola T87, retired with engine trouble.

Hoshino covered the distance in 44 minutes 46.408 seconds at an average speed of 112.975 m.p.h. on the 3.72-mile Suzuka International Racing Course.

The race originally was scheduled for 30 laps, but was shortened because of poor weather conditions, officials said.

Driving a March 87B, Aguri Suzuki finished second in 45:14.461, followed by Toshio Suzuki in 45:39.090. Jan Lammer of the Netherlands was fourth in 45:57.064.