Super Formula: Bearman Compares it to F1 Without DRS

Oliver Bearman praises Super Formula’s agility and speed, likening it to driving a lighter, DRS-free Formula 1 car.

To refine his training and thanks to new ties with Toyota, Oliver Bearman tested a Super Formula car in Japan late last week and also drove at Suzuka for the first time on this occasion.

The future Haas F1 driver enjoyed both the Japanese championship’s single-seaters and the track he experienced for the first time.

“I had a lot of fun. It’s my first time coming to Suzuka, and I was really happy to drive here,” Bearman said. “It’s a very fast circuit, and the Super Formula car was also very enjoyable to drive. It’s much lighter than a Formula 2, but the chassis is the same.”

“The dimensions are very similar, but the car is much lighter. In low-speed corners, you can feel it’s far more agile. The Super Formula is a bit slower on the straights because there’s no DRS in Super Formula, but in the corners, the downforce is impressive – I could dance with this car.”

“Compared to F1, of course, it’s a little slower. But what impressed me most about the Super Formula was its ability to take corners. It’s very agile. The direction changes are very quick.”

“It’s much, much lighter than a Formula 1 car. Of course, we’re missing a bit of downforce, but the driving style is very similar to F1. It feels like driving an F1 without DRS, so it’s really, really enjoyable.”

The Briton drove a Dallara-Toyota and made good use of the opportunity despite a mechanical issue that slowed him: “It was definitely a good test, very useful. I’m sad not to have been able to complete all the laps I wanted.”

“We had a small issue in the afternoon with the turbo, which failed. But I still learned what I needed to, and I definitely gained a bit more experience for next year’s race.”

His lap time, 1.4 seconds off the test benchmark, is, according to him, a positive result: “I couldn’t really push fully on new tires in the afternoon, but I still got to know the track, which was the main objective of this test. When I come back next year for the F1 race, I’ll be in a much better position.”

Bearman was also impressed by the popularity of the test among fans: “The fan attendance for a test day is the best I’ve ever seen. I’ve never seen so many people at a test, and their support was incredible.”

“They were so kind and respectful, they gave me small gifts and really took the time to see me. It was truly a special feeling, and I was happy to give them as much time, photos, and autographs as possible.”

“It’s thanks to Toyota that I’m here. I have to say a big thank you to them for helping me secure this test and making it happen. It was really a big step forward for me when I knew this was an option and a possibility. I’m very excited to continue working with them next year. This is the beginning of a great partnership, I hope.”