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Toyota has clarified that Sho Tsuboi's upcoming Formula 1 testing opportunity with Haas at Fuji Speedway is intended as a rigorous evaluation of his capabilities, not merely a celebratory gesture for his recent Super Formula title. This pivotal session, scheduled for August 6-7, will feature the Haas VF-23 car and serve as a genuine assessment of Tsuboi's potential within the elite echelons of motorsport. This strategic move highlights Toyota's dedication to nurturing talent based on merit and future prospects, aiming to identify drivers who can truly compete at the highest level.

Masaya Kaji, Toyota's director of global motorsport, articulated this perspective, emphasizing the test's role as an "audition." The objective is to thoroughly gauge Tsuboi's performance and his ability to integrate and communicate effectively with an F1 team. While Tsuboi is set to drive on the second day of the test, Haas's current reserve driver, Ryo Hirakawa, will handle the duties on the initial day. This structured approach allows for a direct comparison and a comprehensive understanding of Tsuboi's readiness for future challenges.

Kaji further explained that Tsuboi's performance, particularly his proficiency in English communication, will be critical factors in determining his progression. He noted Tsuboi's current standing as the top Japanese driver, making this test an exciting prospect for both the manufacturer and the broader motorsport community in Japan. The test also aims to establish a benchmark, with Hirakawa serving as a crucial reference point, although Kaji acknowledged that varying track conditions might complicate direct lap time comparisons.

This initiative follows similar F1 test opportunities for other Toyota-affiliated drivers within Haas's TPC (Test Driver Programme) framework. Ritomo Miyata, Tsuboi's predecessor as Super Formula champion, participated in a test at Jerez in January, while former Sauber and Caterham F1 competitor Kamui Kobayashi drove the VF-23 at Paul Ricard in June. Kobayashi's session was specifically designed to enhance his ability to mentor Toyota's younger drivers, showcasing a long-term investment in driver development.

Toyota remains tight-lipped about other potential candidates from its domestic roster for future F1 tests, reinforcing the message that results in Super Formula, while important, are not the sole determinant for such opportunities. Kaji reiterated that future selections will be based purely on performance and demonstrated potential, ensuring that only the most promising talents are advanced. The manufacturer's focus is squarely on providing genuine development pathways for its drivers, irrespective of immediate championship victories.

Ritomo Miyata, despite facing performance challenges in his second Formula 2 season with ART Grand Prix, has also benefited from TPC tests with Alpine at Zandvoort and Monza. Kaji affirmed that the goal for Miyata, and others, is to accumulate extensive experience in various environments, allowing them to hone their driving skills without being constrained by team or car specifics. This comprehensive strategy underlines Toyota's commitment to cultivating a strong pipeline of talent capable of excelling in diverse motorsport disciplines.

In essence, Toyota's approach to driver evaluation is rooted in a meritocratic philosophy, where opportunities like the F1 test are earned through sustained high performance and a demonstrable capacity for growth. It’s a clear signal that the company is looking beyond immediate accolades, focusing instead on long-term development and the strategic placement of its most promising drivers in competitive environments to fully realize their potential within the global motorsport landscape.

The 2026 Super Formula season calendar has been officially announced, presenting several modifications primarily influenced by the altered dates for Formula 1's visit to Japan. These changes mark a notable shift in the series' traditional scheduling.

Previously, Suzuka Circuit frequently served as the opening venue for the Super Formula season, a role it held in both 2024 and the current year. However, with the Japanese Grand Prix moving to March 29, 2026, Suzuka will no longer inaugurate the Super Formula championship. This adjustment is largely due to the extensive preparation period required for the Formula 1 event at the circuit.

The responsibility of hosting the initial race of the 2026 season now falls to Motegi, another circuit owned by Honda. This marks Motegi's return as the season opener, a position it last held during the 2020 season, which was significantly impacted by the global pandemic. The new opening round is slated for April 3-5, indicating a considerably later start to the racing year compared to the current season's early March commencement at Suzuka.

Following the Motegi opener, Suzuka's first appearance on the 2026 Super Formula calendar has been pushed back to May 22-24. Autopolis will then host the second round of the season from April 24-26. The remainder of the schedule largely mirrors the current year's setup, with Fuji Speedway hosting events in mid-July and October, Sugo maintaining its early August slot, and Suzuka concluding the season in November.

While all seven events are designated as three-day race weekends, there is currently no clear indication regarding the inclusion of additional double-header formats in the 2026 calendar. The current season features a total of twelve races, with five of these being double-headers, leaving only Autopolis and Sugo as single-race weekends.

A notable aspect of the provisional 2026 calendar is the absence of any international races. This aligns with Super Formula's recent decision to cancel plans for a 2025 event at South Korea's Inje Speedium, which was abandoned due to disagreements with local promoters. This domestic focus ensures stability and minimizes potential logistical challenges for the series.

Furthermore, the newly released schedule avoids any clashes with the World Endurance Championship (WEC), a piece of news that will undoubtedly be welcomed by drivers who participate in both series, such as Kamui Kobayashi. Kobayashi, a Toyota driver, was compelled to miss the Motegi round in the current year due to a scheduling conflict with the WEC's 6 Hours of Imola race, necessitating his replacement by Seita Nonaka at KCMG for that weekend. The revised dates for 2026 have successfully resolved this issue, allowing drivers to compete in both championships without conflicts.

The provisional 2026 Super Formula calendar is structured as follows: Motegi from April 3-5, Autopolis from April 24-26, Suzuka from May 22-24, Fuji from July 17-19, Sugo from August 7-9, a second event at Fuji from October 9-11, and the season finale at Suzuka from November 20-22. This carefully planned schedule aims to deliver a compelling season of racing while accommodating broader motorsport commitments.