(Motorsport-Total.com) – Haas is leveraging its connections to Toyota and enabling two Japanese drivers to use a Formula 1 car on the former Grand Prix circuit in Fuji: Sho Tsuboi and Nirei Fukuzumi will test in an older car on July 28 and 29 during a so-called TPC test. For Fukuzumi, this will be his first time in a Formula 1 car.
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Tsuboi, who despite already being 31 years old belongs to the team’s development program, was already allowed to test for Haas last year. The event in Fuji, which is meant to offer fans a special experience, is being held by the Formula 1 team for the second time in 2026.
“I am very proud to bring Formula 1 closer to Japanese fans again this year through our TPC program,” says team principal Ayao Komatsu. “Last year’s event showed the incredible passion for Formula 1 in Japan, and we look forward to welcoming fans back to Fuji Speedway.”
“That Sho is returning and Nirei is getting his first opportunity in a Formula 1 car makes this a particularly memorable occasion thanks to Haas’s driver development program.”
The event not only serves as a chance for the two drivers to compete but also aims to offer fans on-site unprecedented access to the team and exclusive activities off the racetrack over two days. The backdrop is Fuji Speedway, which last hosted the Japanese Grand Prix in 2007 and 2008.
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Formula 1 drivers who made their debut with Haas
Tsuboi and Fukuzumi are currently competing in the Japanese Super Formula Championship. Tsuboi won the championship title there in 2024, while Fukuzumi (29) is known to fans in Europe through Formula 2, where he raced in 2018 as a teammate of German Maximilian Günther for Arden. A year earlier, he finished third overall in the GP3 Series behind George Russell and Jack Aitken.
“First, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Gene Haas, Ayao Komatsu, and everyone at the Haas team,” says Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation. “The opportunity given to Japanese drivers to face the challenge of Formula 1 – the pinnacle of global motorsport – is a tremendous source of hope for Japanese motorsport.”
“After Sho Tsuboi last year, Nirei Fukuzumi will take the wheel this year. I hope both will do their best, not only for themselves but to inspire others who dream of reaching the world stage. I believe the true value of motorsport lies in its ability to inspire.”
“I would be grateful to all participating fans if they not only support Sho and Nirei but all challengers from Japan who want to follow in their footsteps and receive opportunities like this to realize their dreams.”
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