Super Formula - Autopolis

The Super Formula race at Autopolis International Racing Course stands as a major Japanese motorsport event. This single-seater racing series brings high-performance competition to the Oita Prefecture track. The race runs 185 kilometers on one of Japan's most technical circuits.

Autopolis presents a 4.673 km layout with 18 turns and over 50 meters of elevation change. The circuit sits in a mountainous region near Kamitsue village. Fans enjoy good viewing areas from the modern facility's well-placed grandstands. The track's mix of fast sections and technical corners creates passing opportunities and racing variety.

The Super Formula field at Autopolis features top drivers like Kakunoshin Ohta, Tadasuke Makino, and Tomoki Nojiri. Teams include Dandelion Racing and Vantelin Team TOM'S. All competitors use identical Dallara SF23 chassis with either Honda or Toyota 2.0-liter turbocharged engines. Yokohama supplies tires for the series.

Opened in 1990, Autopolis has a rich history. Developer Tomonori Tsurumaki built the track for ¥47 billion with hopes of hosting Formula 1. Financial challenges changed these plans, but Kawasaki Motors purchased the circuit in 2005. The track now hosts major Japanese racing series. The lap record stands at 1:26.960, set by Naoki Yamamoto in 2020.

The remote location makes Autopolis unique among Japanese circuits. The track sits in a national park, offering natural beauty alongside racing action. Originally, the facility displayed famous artworks by van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir in an on-site gallery. These elements combine to make the Autopolis Super Formula event a distinctive stop on the racing calendar.

The Super Formula race at Autopolis shows Japanese open-wheel racing at its best. The challenging layout tests driver skill while team strategy plays a key role in the outcome. Fans who watch the race witness the speed and precision that define Super Formula competition.