The 2025 Super Formula championship kicks off with all eyes on Sho Tsuboi, who is poised to defend his title at the iconic Suzuka circuit this weekend. Tsuboi’s remarkable achievement of clinching both the Super GT and Super Formula titles in 2024 places him in an elite league, making him only the sixth driver to accomplish this prestigious double. His transition from Inging to the TOM’S team indicates not only his rising star qualities but also his ambition to dominate Japan’s premier racing series once again. This year promises to be more challenging than ever, featuring a record-setting twelve races, an increase from the nine that characterized previous seasons; it’s a clear signal that the stakes are higher than ever in the world of Japanese motorsport.
Schedule Highlights: A Packed Opening Weekend
As the racing excitement begins, the schedule for the opening weekend unfolds with both practice and competitive sessions. Starting on Friday, March 7, teams will engage in two hours of practice, laying the groundwork for a successful campaign. Saturday will witness the crucial qualifying rounds, commencing at 9:50 AM local time, leading into the first of the weekend’s two races. Notably, the 75-minute race that day is a true test of skill and strategy, intertwining speed with precision. This routine will repeat on Sunday, maintaining the same tense atmosphere, as competitors battle for supremacy in both qualifying and the race.
Watch the Action Live: Accessibility for Fans
For motorsport aficionados eager to submerge themselves in the thrilling world of Super Formula, Motorsport.tv emerges as the exclusive broadcaster for viewing the season outside Japan. The platform commits to delivering live coverage for every qualifying session and race, accompanied by expert English commentary. With subscription costs reasonably set at approximately £4.79, €5.39, or $5.99 per month, fans are afforded a global reach to the races. Moreover, the added incentive of free streaming for the opening weekend is a commendable gesture, allowing newcomers a taste of high-octane motorsport.
Record Fields and Competitive Rivals
In this landmark year, the Super Formula series not only expands in terms of race numbers but also maintains a fierce lineup of returning competitors and potential challengers. The foundation of this season features the return of established racing venues; Suzuka continues to be a fan favorite, alongside Motegi, Autopolis, Fuji, and Sugo. However, keen followers of the sport also anticipated an expansion into new territories, as South Korea had been initially slated to host a race – an exciting venture that now appears off the table, reflecting the sometimes precarious nature of international motorsport logistics.
A Season Full of Potential
The 2025 season stands as a symbol of both growth and competition within Japanese racing. Tsuboi’s relentless drive and the structured chaos of a twelve-round series offers the perfect environment for both seasoned fans and new enthusiasts to engage with the sport. Each race will not only be a test of speed but also endurance, mental acuity, and the strategic decisions that can make or break a championship chase. As the engines roar to life in Suzuka, one thing is clear: this season could redefine the boundaries of what is possible in Super Formula racing.