Former Formula 1 driver Nyck de Vries expresses his willingness to race in Super Formula full-time in the future, as he prepares for his debut in the series with Team Impul at Motegi.
Regular Toyota World Endurance Championship contender de Vries has been called up by Impul to compete in both this weekend’s fifth round and the Fuji double-header in October, taking over the #19 car originally intended for Theo Pourchaire for the entire season.
He will be the fourth different driver to occupy the seat in 2024 following Pourchaire’s departure after one race, with Ben Barnicoat and Toyota junior driver Hibiki Taira also having driven the car.
Reflecting on his upcoming debut, de Vries mentioned that he had previously tried to join the Japanese series while racing in Formula 2 as a McLaren junior driver in 2017.
“Actually, in 2017 I tried getting into Super Formula, but unfortunately it didn’t work out and I continued my career in the European ranks,” said de Vries.
“This time through my relationship with Toyota in WEC, this opportunity came along and I’m very grateful for them to have the chance to be here today.”
#7 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota GR010 – Hybrid: Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, Nyck de Vries
Photo by: JEP / Motorsport Images
De Vries is currently balancing his Toyota WEC commitments with a Formula E drive at Mahindra this year, after losing his AlphaTauri F1 seat to Daniel Ricciardo in mid-2023.
When asked about the possibility of racing in Super Formula beyond the two weekends he is currently scheduled for, de Vries did not rule it out.
“For now I am committed to both WEC and Formula E, but I am always open to exploring different series,” said the Dutch driver.
De Vries also mentioned getting advice from his Toyota WEC teammates Kamui Kobayashi and Ryo Hirakawa, as well as former Super Formula champion Nick Cassidy ahead of his debut.
Admitting the challenge of his lack of experience with the Motegi track and the Dallara SF23, de Vries is prepared for a steep learning curve but is looking forward to the new experience.
Ayumu Iwasa, TEAM MUGEN
Photo by: Masahide Kamio
