Asian Motor Sports

On February 15, a private test of Formula Nippon was performed in Fuji Speedway. This test was for the rookie drivers who have only a few chances to drive the machine untill the first round. Three teams and four rookies participated in this test. Kazuki Hoshino (Team IMPUL), Loïc Duval (PIAA Nakajima Racing), Mitsuyama and Wirdheim (DoCoMo Dandelion) drove Lola B351 / Mugen MF308 which used until last year.

As for Duval and Wirdheim, Fuji Speedway was their first experience. And as for Mitsuyama this is the first testing for the Formula Nippon. Wirdheim was the quickest man of the day, his best lap was the first half of 1 minute 29 seconds. As former champion of International F300 and the third driver of Jaguar F1 Team, he fully showed the ability. Duval followed him, his best lap was the middle of 1 minute 29 seconds. Kazuki Hoshino was the third, and fourth was Mitsuyama.

On February 24, the kickoff party of Formula Nippon is to be held in Tokyo, and driver lineup of each team will become clear.