Last year, Yoshihisa Ueno, the president of Super Formula promoter JRP, and the Suzuka race organizers talked about bringing Japan’s top domestic single-seater series to the event.
For the F1 support event to possibly move into, Super Formula left a two-month gap between its first round in March and its second event in May.
A support slot for Super Formula didn’t happen for 2024. This was likely because of scheduling and paddock logistics. But in an interview with Motorsport.com, Suzuka president Tsuyoshi Saito said he would like to see the series in 2025.
“The decision also depends on Formula 1, but Super Formula is a top racing category in Japan,” Saito said. “So, it would be very exciting for us to have F1 and Super Formula in the same weekend. It is a possibility, and we would welcome this option, but of course, we are not able to decide.”
Saito added, “At the same time, we are not only focused on Super Formula. For us, it is mainly about offering fans the best combination throughout the weekend. Of course, Super Formula is one of those possibilities, but the most important thing is to have the best weekend package.”
During last weekend’s race, without F2, F3, or F1 Academy feeder series present, the domestic Ferrari Challenge Japan and Porsche Carrera Cup Japan were part of the support bill.
Starting this year, Japan moved from its usual autumn date to a race in April. This change is part of F1’s efforts to streamline the logistics of its record 24-race calendar and improve sustainability.
According to the announcement made jointly by F1 and the FIA on Friday, Japan will keep its new slot for 2025. It will become the third grand prix of the year, following a double-header of Australia and China.
Saito mentioned that Suzuka was happy to accommodate F1’s request for a date change as it aligned with their own sustainability initiatives.
“We are globally aiming for a reduction of the CO2 emissions to reach our sustainability goals, also regarding the logistics of F1,” he explained. “Our company is also very focused on sustainability, so we agreed with F1’s suggestion, also because it matches our own philosophy.”
