Suzuka Remains Keen To Add Super Formula To F1 Japan Bill

Suzuka executives say the circuit would be eager to revisit the notion of adding Super Formula to the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix schedule in 2025.

Last year there were negotiations between Yoshihisa Ueno, the president of Super Formula promoter JRP, and the Suzuka race organisers to introduce Japan's leading domestic single-seater series to the event.

Super Formula left a two-month void between its first round in March and its second event in May for the F1 auxiliary event to potentially step into.

A support slot for Super Formula didn't manifest for 2024, understood to be due to scheduling and paddock logistics, but in an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com Suzuka president Tsuyoshi Saito says he would be eager to welcome the series in 2025.

"The decision is also down to Formula 1, but Super Formula is a top racing category in Japan," Saito said.

"Therefore, it would be very thrilling for us to have F1 and Super Formula in the same weekend. It is a possibility and we would embrace this option, but of course we are not able to decide.

"At the same time, we are not only fixated on Super Formula. For us it is primarily about offering supporters the finest 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."

Without F2, F3 or F1 Academy subsidiary series present, the domestic Ferrari Challenge Japan and Porsche Carrera Cup Japan adorned the support program at last weekend's race.

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From this year onwards Japan moved from its traditional autumn date to a race in April, as part of F1's desire to consolidate the logistics of its record 24-race calendar and enhance its sustainability efforts.

As disclosed on Friday when F1 and the FIA jointly presented next year's calendar, Japan will hold on to its new position for 2025, becoming the third grand prix of the year behind a double-header of Australia and China.

Saito said Suzuka was pleased to facilitate F1's date change request as it aligned with its 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.

"Formula 1 wished to bundle the races in this area of the world more, also in terms of logistics together with Australia. Therefore F1 suggested transferring this race to the spring instead of later in the year.

"Our company is also very focused on sustainability, so we concurred with F1's suggestion, also because it reflects our own philosophy.

"I do believe that we will remain in this period of the year for a while as it works in with all the concepts that Formula 1 has about logistics. We are pleased to concur with their decisions."