Naoki Yamamoto in EL1 with Toro Rosso at Suzuka

As we have been talking about in our columns for several weeks, Honda F1 will give a chance to Naoki Yamamoto, reigning Super Formula and Super GT champion, during free practice 1 of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka this Friday.

The Japanese pilot will take the place at Toro Rosso French Pierre Gasly, his former teammate at Team Mugen in Super Formula in 2017. “Having this chance at Suzuka, a very important circuit for all Japanese drivers, in front of such a large number of fans will make the experience even more special, Yamamoto says.

I prepared as best I could for this meeting by spending time with the Toro Rosso team over several Grand Prix weekends and also working in the simulator Red Bull.

My main goal will be to do a good job for the team by gathering data and information that will be useful to them throughout the weekend. On a personal note, I want to enjoy driving an F1 car as much as possible and I will do my best to get the most out of it. »

If Yamamoto is not expected to retain his Super GT title obtained with Jenson Button and the Honda NSX of Team Kunimitsu in 2018, the prospect of a double in Super Formula remains possible, the Nippion of Team Dandelion Racing leading the championship by a point before the Suzuka final on October 27.