Toyota accelerates its efforts for an F1 seat with a test at Haas.

Toyota accelerates its efforts for an F1 seat with a test at Haas.

      "It's been thrilling."

      Toyota seems increasingly determined to get one of its drivers into Formula 1, with Haas serving as the launchpad. This week, the Japanese automaker conducted a private two-day test at Fuji Speedway using a 2023-spec Haas vehicle, marking a part of the American team's new Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program, which Toyota has financially supported and initiated.

      Ryo Hirakawa, a regular in Toyota's WEC who has already participated in F1 sessions with Haas, Alpine, and McLaren, completed 111 laps on the first day. "It's been thrilling," he stated. However, Toyota appears to be focusing on reigning Super Formula champion Sho Tsuboi, who participated on the second day. "Tsuboi's test is an evaluation, not a reward," remarked Masaya Kaji, Toyota's motorsport director.

      This initiative follows earlier TPC tests for Ritomo Miyata and Kamui Kobayashi in Europe, fueling speculation that Toyota's collaboration with Haas is aimed at both engineering advancements and talent development.

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Toyota accelerates its efforts for an F1 seat with a test at Haas.

Formula 1 | Toyota seems more resolute in its efforts to secure a spot for one of its drivers in Formula 1, with Haas emerging as a potential starting point. The Japanese manufacturer this (…)