P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Two-time Super Formula Champion Tomoki Nojiri was handed the chance to drive Red Bull’s RB16B Formula 1 cR at Motegi,
Nojiri, a 34-year-old Japanese driver, had his first experience driving a Grand Prix car, the RB16B, at the Honda Thanks Day event in Motegi. He earned this opportunity by winning back-to-back titles in the Super Formula Championship in 2021 and 2022. Despite coming close to a third consecutive title in 2023, Nojiri finished third in the Super Formula Drivers’ standings. His teammate Liam Lawson, who also competed in Formula 2, joined him in the series, aiming to use it as a stepping stone to Formula 1. The collaboration between Formula 2 and Super Formula continues as Red Bull reserve driver Ayumu Iwasa will join Nojiri as his teammate in next year’s Super Formula campaign. Nojiri will also compete in the Japanese Super GT series in 2024. The Honda Thanks Day 2023 lineup includes Verstappen, Perez, Ricciardo, Tsunoda, Lawson, Sato, Marquez, Ogura, Chantra, Hook, Takahashi, Nagashima, and athletes from Motorcross, Supercross, Trials, Japanese Super GT, and Super Formula.
