New Zealand motorsport fans will have to wait an extra day to catch a glimpse of Liam Lawson’s Super Formula debut after the opening practice session of the season at Fuji was cancelled due to inclement weather.
Ninety minutes of practice had been scheduled from 5.40 pm NZ time this evening, only for persistent rain prompting organisers to make the call to abandon track activity for the day.
The forecast remains positive for Saturday and Sunday’s qualifying and races, with expected dry conditions.
Practice will not be rescheduled, meaning tomorrow afternoon’s qualifying run will be the first time teams officially take to the track in 2023.
Qualifying for the opening race of the season takes place at 12.20 pm NZ time. The session was initially planned to follow a knockout format but has since been changed to a 45-minute timed run to allow competitors some track time in the new SF23 model.
Drivers will enter the session with limited knowledge of what the SF23 cars offer, following only one pre-season test taking place due to a congested 2023 schedule.
The opening race of the 2023 Super Formula campaign begins at 5.15 pm on Saturday, ahead of a second qualifying and race at 12.00 pm and 5.30 pm, respectively, on Sunday.
Super Formula is available to watch on motorsport.tv but does require paid premium access. It will also be streamed live on the SF go App, which is a paid service with a free trial available for the weekend.
Header Image: Liam Lawson in action for Team Mugen. Image: Masahide Kamio
