Formula Racing
Super Formula's back and you shouldn't miss a second of it
Japan's top single-seater championship is ready to let rip on seven rounds at iconic circuits in 2021. Every one will be broadcast live on Red Bull TV.
The Super Formula season starts on April 3, 2021 at Fuji Speedway and the final chequered flag will fall at Suzuka Circuit on October 31. Fans can watch every one of the tight, turbocharged battles live on Red Bull TV.
The fastest formula car series outside F1 sees teams using the same Dallara chassis, Yokohama tyres and two-litre turbocharged engines from Honda or Toyota. Bonus points will be awarded to the top qualifiers in every round and each driver's best five races from seven will count towards the championship. No refuelling is allowed and cars will have just enough fuel to complete a full race, while there's a single tyre compound as changes are now deemed not mandatory.
Fuji Speedway sets the scene for the opening Super Formula race of 2021
© Sho Tamura/Red Bull Content Pool
In previous seasons, the likes of F1 legend Michael Schumacher, Northern Ireland's Eddie Irvine and Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda's Pierre Gasly have all starred in the series, with France's Gasly finishing as the overall runner-up in 2017 thanks to two race wins as a 21-year-old rookie.
Gasly explained: "Super Formula was really great for me before F1, because the cars have a lot of downforce – probably the closest to Formula One. Also, it was good to have to adapt quickly to the new car, new tyres and start my relationship with Honda, and learn how to work at our best with the Honda engineers."
Pierre Gasly was overall runner-up in the 2017 Super Formula series
© Samo Vidic/Red Bull Content Pool
Red Bull Motorsports Advisor and Head of Driver Development, Dr Helmut Marko, said: "The car is very fast and you're competing against drivers who have more experience, because traditionally the Japanese drivers stay more or less their whole career in Super Formula. You're adapting to new circumstances and circuits in a country where the culture, language and way of working on a car are different. It's a cultural education as well and it's very good for building your personality and your character."
Super Formula was really great for me before F1
Ryō Hirakawa is one to watch
© Sho Tamura/Red Bull Content Pool
Among those to watch in 2021 are Japan's own Ryō Hirakawa, who won at Motegi in 2020 on his way to overall second place in the championship. “I believe my only option this year is to be the champion," said Hirakawa. "I want everyone in the world to see for themselves the advanced level of this Super Formula series and how enjoyable it is.”
I believe my only option this year is to be the champion
Red Bull Mugen Team Goh recently announced Hiroki Otsu would be completing their driver line-up for 2021, alongside Tomoki Nojiri. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to participate in this event. Needless to say, I’m aiming for first place and the series title," said Otsu. "This is my first year in this event, but I don’t plan on letting up at all and I’ll be going for gold.”
2021 Super Formula season calendar
- Rd 1: April 3 – Fuji Speedway
- Rd 2: April 24 – Suzuka Circuit
- Rd 3: May 15 – Autopolis
- Rd 4: June 19 – Sportsland Sugo
- Rd 5: August 28 – Twin Ring Motegi
- Rd 6: October 2 – Okayama International Circuit
- Rd 7: October 30 – Suzuka Circuit