Super Formula plans to go ahead with its two-day pre-season test at Fuji Speedway on March 24/25, albeit with restricted paddock access due to the spread of novel coronavirus.
The championship released a statement saying that in order for what is now the sole pre-season test to take place, and for the spread of COVID-19 to be restricted, then “entry to the paddock is prohibited except for those involved, and no open pit will be implemented”.
However the test, which included two two-hour sessions on both days, will still be open to fans and tickets are being sold. There is also free entry for annual pass holders.
Following the cancellation of the pre-season test and season opening race at Suzuka, Fuji is currently set to hold the first race of 2020 on April 19. The season-ending Suzuka round is now likely to become a double-header event to keep the championship at seven races.
The signing of reigning champion Nick Cassidy at TOM’S last month means the 20-car grid is also full, with 11 cars powered by Toyota engines and nine utilising Honda-sourced units.
Super Formula Lights, previously known as Japanese Formula 3, will be on the support bill of SF for all but the Suzuka season finale, which it may now join given it is also a victim of the cancellation of April’s cancelled season opener at the circuit.
2020 Super Formula grid
Toyota
TOMS: Nick Cassidy, Kazuki Nakajima
Kondo Racing: Kenta Yamashita, Sacha Fenestraz
KCMG: Kamui Kobayashi, Yuji Kunimoto
Team Impul: Yuhi Sekigchi, Ryo Hirakawa
INGING: Kazuya Oshima (ROOKIE Racing), Hiroaki Ishiura, Sho Tsuboi
Honda
Dandelion Racing: Naoki Yamamoto, Nirei Fukuzumi
ThreeBond Racing with Drago Corse: Tatiana Calderon
Team Mugen: Juri Vips, Tomoki Nojiri
B-MAX Racing with Motopark: Pietro Fittipaldi, Charles Milesi
Nakajima Racing: Tadasuke Makino, Toshiki Oyu