Former Formula 1 driver Jack Doohan, alongside rising stars Freddie Slater and Ugo Ugochukwu, are among the drivers participating in this week’s post-season Super Formula test at Suzuka Circuit. The complete entry list, recently released by series organizer JRP, confirms a total of 36 drivers will be involved in the three-day event commencing on Wednesday.
Doohan’s participation strongly suggests a potential move to Super Formula next season as he seeks to revitalize his racing career. This follows his departure from his Alpine F1 seat, which was filled by Franco Colapinto after the initial six races of the season. Doohan will be piloting the #3 car for Kondo Racing, a team powered by Toyota, throughout the entire test. He takes over the car previously driven by Kenta Yamashita this season.
While an official announcement from Toyota is pending, it’s anticipated that Doohan will form part of an all-new international driver pairing at Kondo Racing, partnering with Williams F1 junior driver Luke Browning. This new lineup would replace Yamashita, who is expected to join KCMG, and Zak O’Sullivan, who is likely to secure a seat with what might become a single-car Team Impul operation.
Browning is scheduled to join Kondo Racing for the second and third days of the test in the #4 Dallara-Toyota. He will arrive in Japan directly after participating in the F1 young driver test for Williams in Abu Dhabi.
Freddie Slater, the current Formula Regional European champion, will be driving for TOM’S on the final day of the test. This final day is specifically reserved for drivers with limited Super Formula experience (fewer than four starts). He will be behind the wheel of the #37 car, which will be driven by Sacha Fenestraz during the first two days. Ugo Ugochukwu, fresh off his victory at the 2024 Macau Grand Prix, will take the reins of Sho Tsuboi’s regular #1 car.
Notably, both Slater and Ugochukwu are associated with ADD Management, the same management group that represents Fenestraz and the reigning F1 world champion, Lando Norris.
Several other drivers will be experiencing Super Formula machinery for the first time this week, including rallying sensation Kalle Rovanpera (KCMG), FIA Formula 3 competitor Charlie Wurz (Team Goh), and the reigning Super Formula Lights champion, Yuto Nomura (B-Max Racing).
The post-season test consists of six sessions, providing a total of 12 hours of track time. Wednesday and Thursday will each feature four-and-a-half hours of running, while Friday will offer three hours of testing.
Driver Highlights:
- Jack Doohan: Former F1 driver exploring opportunities in Super Formula with Kondo Racing.
- Freddie Slater: Formula Regional European champion testing with TOM’S on the final day.
- Ugo Ugochukwu: Macau Grand Prix winner driving for TOM’S.
- Luke Browning: Williams F1 junior driver joining Kondo Racing after F1 young driver test.
- Kalle Rovanpera: Rallying star getting his first taste of Super Formula with KCMG.
- Charlie Wurz: FIA Formula 3 racer testing with Team Goh.
- Yuto Nomura: Super Formula Lights champion driving for B-Max Racing.
Team Changes and Speculation:
- Doohan and Browning potentially forming a new international lineup at Kondo Racing.
- Yamashita expected to move to KCMG.
- O’Sullivan possibly joining a single-car Team Impul operation.
Test Schedule:
- Six sessions totaling 12 hours of track time.
- Wednesday and Thursday: 4.5 hours of running each day.
- Friday: 3 hours of running.
