Super Formula is one of the fastest single-seater series in the world and, alongside Super GT, is one of Japan’s two biggest motor racing championships. For several years, its cars have raced domestically at iconic circuits like Fuji, Motegi and Suzuka, fostering the best homegrown talent and testing some big name overseas drivers who have taken up the challenge.
Last year, Super Formula introduced a new car, the SF23, built by renowned Italian racecar constructor, Dallara. Toyota and Honda supply their affiliated teams with bespoke, 2.0-litre racing engines that produce around 550bhp, while the SF23 has all the visual hallmarks of an advanced single seater.
However, Super Formula won’t be the only place you can see these machines in action next year as, on 28 April, at Yas Marina Circuit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a field of 10 custom-built SF23s will gather to race.
AV initiative
Is this some grand attempt from Super Formula’s promoters to expand their series’ global outreach, like when Super GT joined the DTM grid at Hockenheim in 2019? Not quite. Rather, the customised SF23s at Yas Marina will be taking part in a driverless competition called the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL). The initiative is aimed at furthering autonomous vehicle (AV) technology and raising
