You may or may not know this, but Formula 1 isn’t the only high-performance, single-seater formula out there. There is a wealth of other classes of single-seater racing, with some very fast cars and drivers. One of those is Japan’s premier national open-wheel series, Super Formula. YouTube channel "The Race" has partnered up with Josh Revell, to produce a video explaining why you should watch Super Formula.
A Brief History Lesson
A quick history lesson first. Its roots go back to the All-Japan Formula 2000 series in the 1970s. The series moved to Formula 3000 regulations, becoming the All-Japan Formula 3000 series in 1987. It became Formula Nippon in 1996, before finally becoming Super Formula in 2013. In 2019, a new car was introduced to the series, the Dallara built SF19, who seem to build everything these days. All of the cars are powered by turbocharged, 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engines provided by Honda or Toyota.
The series races on some spectacular race circuits. There is of course Suzuka, home to the Japanese Grand Prix but also some of Japan’s other best tracks. Fuji, a former Grand Prix host is used, as well as Motegi and Okayama. This season's calendar is sadly condensed, but that is of course down to the Covid-19 pandemic. Hopefully, a more ‘normal’ calendar will return in 2021.
The Series Drivers
Finally, let's look at the drivers. You may have heard of a few of them. Former F1 drivers are in the field, such as now double Super Formula champion Kazuki Nakajima, and former F1 fan-favorite Kaumi Kobyashi. There are other fantastic Japanese drivers such as Yuji Kunimoto and also some great international drivers, that this year includes the likes of Tatiana Calderon, Nick Cassidy, and Yuri Vips. Plus, Formula 1 race winner Pierre Gasly is a Super Formula graduate, and arguably should have won the title in 2017.
Sources: YouTube, Autosport, Formula Scout, Super Formula