The organisers of Japan’s Super Formula series revealed about the first track test of its new-for SF19 single-seater machinery at Italy’s Valerino Circuit on June 14 with Docomo Dandelion Tomoki Nojiri behind the wheel.

The release from the organisers claims the new car lapped the circuit at 57s, thereby informally breaking the previous record of 59s held by a FIA World Endurance Championship’s LMP1 car.

The new car is complete re-design which Italian manufacturer Dallara claims is both faster and safer – the car though won’t be fitted with a Halo protective device. It will replace SF14 which has been used since the 2014 season.

A formal shakedown is scheduled to take place at Fuji in Japan on July 4-5, just few days before the Super Formula’s 2018 championship’s Round 4. Team Mugen’s Naoki Yamamoto currently leads the drivers’ standings after three weekends.