The 2025 Super Formula Championship: A New Chapter Begins
This weekend marks the beginning of the 2025 Super Formula championship, a season filled with excitement and anticipation. The opening rounds will take place at the iconic Suzuka Circuit, where defending champion Sho Tsuboi will kick off his title defense. At just 29 years old, Tsuboi achieved a remarkable feat in 2024 by securing both the Super GT and Super Formula titles, making him only the sixth driver to accomplish the double. His exceptional performance earned him a well-deserved switch from Inging to TOM’S, a move that has been widely acclaimed. Tsuboi will aim to continue his dominance as the 2025 season presents the biggest calendar yet, with 12 rounds compared to the usual nine.
A Comprehensive Schedule
The 2025 Super Formula calendar is ambitious and expansive, featuring 12 rounds that will take place at five venues: Suzuka, Motegi, Autopolis, Fuji, and Sugo. The season kicks off at Suzuka on March 7-9, with double races on both Saturday and Sunday. Practice sessions on Friday will be followed by qualifying and races on the weekend. Qualifying rounds on Saturday start at 9:50 AM local time (0:50 AM GMT, 1:50 AM CET), with the 75-minute race at 2:40 PM in Japan (5:40 AM GMT, 6:40 AM CET). The same format will be repeated on Sunday, with qualifying at 10:15 AM and the race at 2:40 PM.
Expanded Race Venues
This season, Super Formula will feature additional races at Suzuka, Motegi, and Fuji, making these venues even more crucial in the championship battle. Despite the ambitious plans, the series faced some challenges, including the cancellation of a planned race in South Korea. This would have been the first time in 21 years that Super Formula expanded beyond Japan, but negotiations between the Super Formula organizer JRP and the Korean event promoter ultimately broke down. Nevertheless, the season remains robust with a diverse and exciting schedule.
Where to Watch the Action
For fans looking to follow the action, Motorsport.tv has secured the exclusive rights to broadcast the 2025 Super Formula season in all countries except Japan. The platform will provide live coverage of every qualifying session and race, complete with English commentary. Subscribers can access the content for a monthly fee of £4.79, €5.39, or $5.99. However, for the opening weekend, motorsport.tv is offering free access to all events, allowing new and existing fans to enjoy the thrilling start of the season without any cost.
The Competitors and Contenders
The 2025 Super Formula grid is a blend of seasoned professionals and emerging talents, setting the stage for intense competition. Defending champion Sho Tsuboi will be at the forefront, driving for the formidable TOM’S team. Tsuboi’s experience and recent success make him a strong favorite, but he will face stiff competition from a lineup that includes some of Japan’s best drivers. Each round promises to deliver high-octane action as the drivers vie for points and glory in one of the most prestigious single-seater series in the world.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 Super Formula championship gets underway, the anticipation is palpable. With an expanded calendar, new venues, and a strong field of competitors, the season is poised to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Sho Tsuboi’s title defense adds an extra layer of intrigue, and fans around the world are eager to see how the season unfolds. Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or a new fan, the 2025 Super Formula championship is set to deliver thrilling races and unforgettable moments. Don’t miss the start of this exciting journey as the drivers take to the track at Suzuka this weekend.
