Super Formula turns Suzuka decider into double header
The 2020 Super Formula season will conclude with a double header at the Suzuka Circuit after the championship opener at the same venue was postponed due to coronavirus.
As had been the case in recent years, Suzuka was supposed to both open and close the 2020 Super Formula season, with one race each scheduled at either end of the campaign.
However, the outbreak of coronavirus has affected the Super Formula calendar, with the first three rounds of the season postponed by series promoter JRP.
Although no new dates for the second and third rounds at Fuji and Autopolis have yet been revealed, JRP announced on Tuesday that it will run both Suzuka rounds together on November 13-15, with the two races split across Saturday and Sunday.
This has been made possible by the axing of the Japan round of the World Touring Car Cup (WTCR), which shared a bill as the Super Formula finale in the last two years.
The move marks the return of a tradition in Super Formula, with Suzuka having previously hosted double headers to end the season between 2012-17.
No news was provided about the points system for the fixture, although all Super Formula double headers in the past - whether in the middle of the season or at the end - only award half points.
However, there may be an exception to this rule this time, given the two races were originally part of different rounds.
Separately, the winner of the final round of the season always bags three bonus points - whether or not the half-points rule applies.
Sette Camara: Super Formula on a par with IndyCar
Star rookie Oyu worried about losing Fuji momentum
Super Formula outlines 2023 calendar
Super Formula has outlined its 2023 calendar, although without specifying the number of races the campaign will comprise.
The circuit that "punishes" newcomers to Japan's racing scene
Although tough and technical Japanese circuits like Suzuka and Fuji are well-known to fans of Formula 1, there's many more venues that challenge the drivers who choose to switch over to Super Formula and SUPER GT. Envision Formula E driver Nick Cassidy has won both titles - and picks the "punishing" Sugo circuit as the one that sticks out.
Alesi “not losing hope” amid tough season in Japan
Giuliano Alesi insists he is “not losing hope” amid a trying double SUPER GT and Super Formula campaign in Japan with flagship Toyota team TOM’S.
How Fenestraz has made a success of his Japan adventure
Sacha Fenestraz’s bid to make it big in Japan was put on ice by the country’s COVID protocols. But he’s now a race winner at the top level in Super Formula, and harbours ambitions of becoming the first overseas driver to win the title since 2019.