TGR Haas F1 Team has announced that Japanese racing stars Sho Tsuboi and Nirei Fukuzumi will participate in a two-day Testing of Previous Cars event at Fuji Speedway on July 28-29, with Fukuzumi set to drive Formula 1 machinery for the first time through the TGR Haas Driver Development Program.
The event, branded as a Haas Fans First experience for Japanese supporters, will feature exclusive fan access including the returning Gekikan Pit viewing area beside the team garage, meet-and-greet sessions, and autograph opportunities. Former F1 driver and three-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Kazuki Nakajima, Vice Chairman of TOYOTA RACING GmbH, will attend both days to advise the drivers and participate in fan activities.
Tsuboi returns to Fuji for his second appearance with TGR Haas after debuting with the team last year. The 2024 Super Formula champion and four-time Super GT GT500 title winner (2021, 2023, 2024, 2025) has been part of the TGR Haas Driver Development Program for a year. Fukuzumi, who currently competes for GAZOO Racing / ROOKIE Racing in Super Formula, brings a career that includes a third-place finish in the 2017 GP3 Series, a season in Formula 2 in 2018, the 2019 Super GT GT300 championship, and a recent Super Formula victory at Suzuka.
“I’m very proud to be bringing Formula 1 back again this year to Japanese fans through our TPC program,” said Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal at TGR Haas F1 Team. “Last year’s event demonstrated the incredible passion for Formula 1 in Japan, and we’re excited to welcome fans back to Fuji Speedway. Having Sho return and giving Nirei his first opportunity in Formula 1 machinery will make this a particularly memorable occasion, thanks to the TGR Haas Driver Development Program.”
Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda expressed strong support for the initiative. “The opportunity being given to Japanese drivers to take on the challenge of Formula 1, the pinnacle of world motorsport, is a tremendous source of hope for Japanese motorsport,” Toyoda said. “I hope both will give it their all, not only for themselves, but to inspire others who dream of reaching the world stage. I believe that the true value of motorsport lies in its ability to inspire.”
Fuji Speedway, the Toyota-owned 4.563km (2.835-mile), 17-turn FIA Grade 1 circuit set beneath Mount Fuji, last hosted the Japanese Grand Prix in 2008. ROOKIE Racing’s partnership with TGR Haas F1 Team this season further strengthens the collaboration pathway between Japanese motorsport and Formula 1.
Tickets are available through the Haas+ fan platform, with members receiving a ¥500 discount off the standard ¥3,000 advance price per day. A two-day pass is available to Haas+ members for ¥4,000. Admission is free for children aged 15 and under.