Suzuka Super Formula test entry list analysis / SF鈴鹿テストのエントリーリストの分析
An attempt to break down a packed entry list for this week's test... / 今週のテストのエントリーリストを分析してみましょう！
Photo credit: JRP
日本語版は以下
As expected, Super Formula organiser JRP released the much-awaited entry list for the three-day test on December 6-8 on Monday, featuring no fewer than 32 names across the 22 cars entered. Click here to see the list in full.
Among the 32, there are seven foreign drivers - namely Theo Pourchaire, Oliver Rasmussen, Ben Barnicoat, David Vidales, Nolan Siegel, Rasmus Lindh and Igor Fraga. All seven are rookies, although Fraga has driven a Super Formula car before, doing so for Team Impul in last year’s test. In total, 14 rookies - defined as drivers who have participated in fewer than four Super Formula races - are set to participate.
But the biggest news of all from the entry list is that it essentially confirms one of the worst-kept secrets in the paddock: that Nirei Fukuzumi and Toshiki Oyu are both Toyota-bound for 2024. Fukuzumi will drive for KCMG, albeit sharing a car with Yuhi Sekiguchi, while Oyu gets two days of running at Inging, where he takes over the #38 seat that was previously occupied by TOM’S-bound Sho Tsuboi (You can read the implications this has for the SUPER GT driver market over at Sportscar365.com).