Super Formula tests at Suzuka disrupted by snow

All 13 teams and 22 drivers entered in this year's championship took part in these tests. Prior to these test days, the eastern section of the Suzuka circuit had been resurfaced during the off-season. It was also an opportunity to discover the new tires designed with a higher percentage of sustainable, recycled and bio-sourced materials than last year.

After snowfall the night before, the first session took place in clear weather despite wet and very cold track conditions. Snow flurries fell on the western part of the circuit.

Second day of testing cancelled due to snow

Sacha Fenestraz (No. 37 Tom's Toyota) set the fastest lap of the session in 1:38.040 ahead of Atsushi Miyake (No. 12 ThreeBond Honda) in 1:38.060 and Toshiki Oyu (No. 39 CERUMOINGING Toyota) in 1:38.219. The second session in the afternoon took place in completely dry conditions, with Tadasuke Makino (No. 5 Dandelion Honda) recording the fastest time of 1:36.116 ahead of Nirei Fukuzumi (No.8 KCMG Toyota) in 1:36.143 and Atsushi Miyake (ThreeBond Honda) in 1:36.396). Fenestraz settled for 12th in 1:36.909.

Due to snowfall throughout the second day of testing, both scheduled sessions were cancelled. Juju Noda, who just turned 19 this month, took part in the test with her new team. She set a best lap of 1:39.272 (22nd out of 22) in the second session of the first day.

« It's a shame that the second day of testing was cancelled, explains Juju Noda. There is not much time left until the first round of the season, so I want to do everything I can to prepare. This is my second year in this championship, so I want to do better than last year. We have created a new team, and as a driver I also have the task of building it from scratch. I want to do my best this year and enjoy the races. »

Rasmussen begins new chapter in Super Formula career

French-born Danish driver Oliver Rasmussen finished two sessions 10th (1:38.647) and 20th (1:37.997) respectively. He was consistently faster than teammate Mitsunori Takaboshi in both sessions.

Oliver Rasmussen – Photo: JPR Circuit

« This is a new chapter that is opening in my career, confides the Grassois. CIt's very exciting. I'll be racing in GT300 with Lexus as well, but with the idea of ​​coming here to Japan, Toyota also wanted me to participate in car. That's why I'm here in Super Formula. It's an honour for me to present Toyota and to have this chance here with them. It's incredible. I'm going to try to perform as best as I can and we'll see what comes out of it afterwards. »

The 2025 Super Formula season will begin on March 8 at the Suzuka Circuit.

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