Super Formula - Fuji II

The Fuji II super-formula event returns to Fuji International Speedway in 2026, bringing top-tier single-seater racing to one of Japan's premier motorsport venues. This event showcases the Super Formula Championship, widely recognized as Asia's premier open-wheel racing series and the second-fastest racing category globally after Formula 1. The combination of closely matched technical regulations and a demanding circuit creates intense competition where driver skill and team strategy determine success.

The Fuji II Super-Formula Race Weekend

Fuji International Speedway hosts two Super Formula events during the 2026 season. The Fuji II race represents the second visit to this circuit, following the earlier Fuji I event. Each weekend features two championship rounds, offering competitors multiple opportunities to score points and advance their championship campaigns. The close racing and strategic elements of Super Formula make every session significant for teams and drivers.

Fuji International Speedway Details

Fuji International Speedway sits at the base of Mount Fuji in Oyama, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. The circuit first opened in January 1966 and underwent major renovations before reopening in April 2005. The current Grand Prix layout measures 4.563 kilometers (2.835 miles) and includes 16 turns that test both car setup and driver precision.

The circuit features one of the longest straights in global motorsport, stretching 1.475 kilometers (0.917 miles). This long straight creates significant top-speed challenges and provides key overtaking opportunities. Toyota Motor has owned the facility since 2000, and it maintains an FIA Grade 1 license. The venue has appeared on the Super Formula calendar almost every season since the series began in 1973, with only 2004 absent due to reconstruction work.

2026 Super Formula Participants

The 2026 Super Formula season features 24 drivers competing across multiple teams. Ayumu Iwasa returns with Team Mugen as the defending champion from 2025. International talent joins the grid, with Luke Browning driving for Realize Kondo Racing and Roman Staněk representing Buzz MK Racing. Experienced drivers Kamui Kobayashi (KDDI TGMGP TGR-DC) and Kenta Yamashita (KCMG) add depth to the field.

Juju Noda competes for Hazama Ando Triple Tree Racing, while Zak O'Sullivan joins Wecars Impul with SDG. Seita Nonaka filled a seat at KCMG for the opening round after Kalle Rovanperä withdrew due to health concerns. Other competitive teams include Docomo Team Dandelion Racing, Vantelin Team TOM'S, and Ponos Nakajima Racing.

Technical Specifications of Super Formula

Dallara SF23 Chassis

All teams use the identical Dallara SF23 chassis, which entered service in 2023. This specification ensures competitive balance across the field. The SF23 incorporates advanced aerodynamic features, including modified ailerons, bellies, and floor components. These changes reduce turbulent air by half compared to the previous SF19 chassis while maintaining 92% of total downforce. This design promotes closer racing and more overtaking opportunities.

The chassis uses sustainable materials including flax fiber, cork, and recycled carbon fiber. These bio-composite materials reduce CO2 emissions during production by approximately 75%. The SF23 has a dry weight of 600 kg (1,322 lbs) and a wet weight including the driver of 670 kg (1,477 lbs). A 6-speed semi-automatic paddle-shift transmission handles power delivery.

Engine Specifications

Teams choose between two 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engines: the Honda HR-417E or the Toyota TRD-01F. Both units produce over 550 horsepower (approximately 410 kW). Regulations limit each driver to two engines per season, controlling costs and maintaining competitive parity between manufacturers.

Overtake System

Drivers can activate an Overtake System (OTS) during races. This system provides a temporary 5% power increase, adding around 30 horsepower. Each driver receives 200 seconds of OTS per race. A mandatory 100 or 110-second delay between activations prevents continuous use. The system remains disabled during qualifying sessions to maintain pure performance comparison.

Tire Supply

Yokohama serves as the exclusive tire supplier for Super Formula. The company provides carbon-neutral tires that incorporate 33% renewable and recycled materials while maintaining full performance standards. This uniform tire specification eliminates tire-based performance advantages and focuses competition on driver ability and team strategy.

Super Formula Championship History

Super Formula traces its origins to 1973 when it launched as the All-Japan Formula 2000 Championship. The series evolved through several names: All-Japan Formula Two (1978), All-Japan Formula 3000 (1987), and Formula Nippon (1996). In 2013, the series adopted the Super Formula name to strengthen its international profile. Japan Race Promotion (JRP) manages the championship, with sanctioning from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).

Many drivers have used Super Formula as a development ground before reaching Formula 1, including Michael Schumacher, Ralf Schumacher, Eddie Irvine, Pedro de la Rosa, Kamui Kobayashi, and Yuki Tsunoda. The series continues to attract international talent seeking to prove their abilities in highly competitive single-seater racing.

What Defines the Fuji II Super-Formula Event

The Fuji II super-formula race at Fuji International Speedway combines several elements that create compelling racing. The identical technical specifications across all cars place maximum emphasis on driver talent and team strategy. Small differences in car setup, tire management, and strategic use of the Overtake System often decide race outcomes.

The circuit layout at Fuji International Speedway rewards both high-speed bravery and technical precision. The long main straight creates dramatic slipstreaming battles, while the technical sections demand perfect car balance and driver skill. The Super Formula cars achieve speeds approaching Formula 1 levels, making them among the fastest single-seaters in motorsport.

Sustainability features distinguish modern Super Formula racing. The bio-composite chassis materials and renewable tire components demonstrate environmental responsibility without compromising performance. This combination of speed, close competition, and sustainable practices positions Super Formula as a forward-thinking championship that delivers quality racing while addressing environmental concerns.