Driver given surprise audition for F1 seat as boss explains 'what happens next'
The reigning champion in the Japanese Super Formula series has taken part in an "audition" test in a Formula 1 car. The test, held at Fuji Speedway in Japan this week, saw two drivers from the Asian country drive the Haas VF-23 which raced in the 2023 F1 World Championship.
Such Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) sessions have been made possible by the team's partnership with Toyota, formalised last year. The Japanese carmaker, through its Gazoo Racing arm, helps Haas with technical resources and, in return, its staff get experience of the pinnacle of motorsport.
And that includes opportunities for the drivers it employs in other disciplines. Ryo Hirakawa is one such driver who has benefitted from that partnership and is reserve driver for the team, having also driven free practice sessions for several outfits on the F1 grid.
Hirakawa, 31, a double World Endurance Championship title-winner, was one of those two drivers who got behind the wheel in Fuji. He drove on Tuesday, in front of a crowd invited to the circuit to watch the track action.
For the second of the two days of running, there was a debutant in the cockpit. Sho Tsuboi, 30, who won the Super Formula title last year and also races GT cars, got his first experience of F1 machinery.
According to Masaya Kaji, Toyota Gazoo Racing's director of global motorsport, the test was not just a prize for Tsuboi's Super Formula success. "What happens next depends entirely on Tsuboi's performance and his communication with the team," he said.
"This is an audition or a selection test, not just because of his experience. We want to assess his real performance. He has to work hard and communicate in English. The goal is to assess his potential. Tsuboi has great potential, but it's not just his results. The test is not a reward for becoming Super Formula champion.
"These TPC tests are part of our people efforts, as we will focus on human resource development. I believe that Sho, a former Super Formula champion, will not only contribute to the development of his skills, but will also provide great motivation for the other TGR drivers.
Sky Sports launches discounted Formula 1 package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£43
£35
Sky
Get Sky Sports here
Product Description
"In addition, mechanics and engineers from Toyota Motor Corporation will be present, making this an invaluable opportunity for them as well . Experiencing first-hand the technologies and skills required on the world's highest stage, F1, will certainly be an important experience for their growth."
Hirakawa and Tsuboi are not the first Toyota drivers to be given the chance to test modern F1 machinery in recent months. Haas also ran former F1 driver Kamui Kobayashi, who now races in the World Endurance Championship, and Formula 2 star Ritomo Miyata in the same car at other TPC outings, giving Toyota valuable data to compare Tsuboi's performance.
Regardless of how well he did, it is not going to be a route onto the 2026 F1 grid. Haas already have Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman tied down to contracts for next season, though the latter remains a Ferrari junior driver and the American team might have to hastily find a replacement should the Brit be called up by the Scuderia at some point.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
I drove four mid-size SUVs... they all suffer from the same obvious problem
Americans love SUVs. But today's market is flooded with bulky five-seaters that seem out of step with what most drivers actually need. We independently tested four 2025 midsize SUV models — the Toyota Land Cruiser, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mazda CX-70, and Nissan Murano — in and around New York City over the course of a week. Each SUV was driven for over 100 miles, with the manufacturers covering a tank of gas and congestion pricing tolls so we could focus on day-to-day performance. Across the board, we were left wondering: what happened to the actual midsize market? In 2005, the three-row Dodge Durango was considered a large, full-size SUV with a 119.2-inch wheelbase. Today's midsize segment has ballooned beyond that benchmark. The CX-70 stretches to 122.8 inches between the axles. Even the smallest vehicle in our test, the Murano, spans 111.2 inches. Larger cars come with predictable drawbacks: they're heavier, thirstier for gas, more expensive, and harder on their engines. All four SUVs in our test feel oversized — and they all might've made more sense with a third row of seating to justify their scale. Here's how the bloated beasts stacked up: 4. Mazda CX-70 The largest SUV in our test is undeniably stylish and equally puzzling. Our Turbo S Premium-trim CX-70 made a bold first impression with swooping body lines, pulsating LED turn signals, and a well-appointed interior. At around $55,000, it felt premium. But its market positioning raises questions. Mazda already sells the CX-90 — essentially the same vehicle, but with a third row and a lower starting price. Both share the same powertrains: a 3.3-liter six-cylinder or a 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid four-cylinder. We've previously tested the CX-90 hybrid and were impressed. Jumping into the five-seat sibling left us missing the extra versatility. The CX-70 keeps Mazda's well-documented steering feel - the car is fun to pull around a corner Despite its size, our gas-only CX-70 wasn't especially powerful. The six-cylinder engine struggled under pressure, and the transmission jolted during hard acceleration. But it excelled in handling: the steering feel was the best in this group — taut, responsive, and true to Mazda's reputation for fun-to-drive SUVs. We averaged 24 MPG in mostly highway driving, just under the EPA's estimated 25 MPG combined. The CX-70 is refined and satisfying around corners, but too large for an SUV with the capacity to only handle five butts. 3. Nissan Murano Nearly a foot shorter than the CX-70, the 2025 Murano feels more appropriate for the midsize class. This year's redesign brings a fresh look and a new engine. Swooping body lines, stacked LED headlights, and a full-width rear lightbar modernize its exterior. Inside, the cabin feels bright and airy, with generous glass coverage, upgraded tech, and the most comfortable seats in this group. Rear passengers get 38.7 inches of legroom, and there's 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row — more usable, if less excessive, than its rivals. The old, whiny V6 has finally been replaced by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing around 248 horsepower. It's a quieter, smoother setup, but still feels underpowered during aggressive acceleration. Our tester came in around $52,000 — the cheapest in this group, though still pricey for a five-seater. Buyers looking for better value might consider Nissan's smaller Rogue. It's cheaper, more efficient, and nearly as practical as a five-seat hauler — and doesn't carry the extra bulk. The Grand Cherokee is an able-bodied off-roader with American flag badging throughout - its probably a bit too big for what the average American needs 2. Jeep Grand Cherokee The Grand Cherokee brought gas-churning, eagle-flying American swagger to the midsize SUV test — and the 30-year-old nameplate has grown to keep up with the US market's bulkiness. What started in 1994 as a 105-inch wheelbase, 3,600 pound midsize has ballooned today to 116-inches and 4,800 pounds. This year, the SUV's upright, truck-like silhouette was handsome and commanding. Inside, cabin controls were smartly laid out and easily in the driver's reach. Our test car featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine good for 293 horsepower — and the best towing capacities of the bunch at 6,200 pounds. That power setup managed 24 MPG in mostly highway driving, beating the EPA's combined estimate of 22 MPG. Unlike Mazda, Jeep's three-row iteration, the Grand Cherokee L, sits on an extended-wheelbase. But even in our two-row form, rear-seat passengers sat ahead of a massive 37.7-cubic-foot cargo hold, good for nearly every passenger to bring two full-size suitcases in the trunk. That's an outrageous amount of space. While the Jeep's size impressed on paper, the front row feels more cramped than expected. Tall door panels and a center console that climbs high on the driver's right side gave it a cockpit-like feel that felt claustrophobic. And while the Grand Cherokee starts around $40,000, our test model crept up to $56,655 — edging into luxury territory for a five-seater. The brick-like structure comes with huge headroom and ample sightlines - but its not super efficient as a mild hybrid 1. Toyota Land Cruiser Among car enthusiasts, the Land Cruiser is an icon. The nameplate's lineage goes back to the 1950s when the US government asked Japanese companies to build cars for its war with Korea. Today, it's evolved into a rugged, premium off-roader — and at $68,695 as tested, it's by far the priciest SUV in this group. Toyota blends retro design and modern amenities with finesse. Two-tone color schemes, blocky badging, and squared-off body lines nod to its heritage, while the cabin offers excellent visibility, abundant headroom, and solid tech. Power comes from a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid, which left some room for improvement. In our test, the hybrid battery consistently handed power off to the gas engine at just 6 MPH — far earlier than other Toyota mild hybrids, which often hold electric power through 20 to 25 MPH. That limited its real-world fuel-saving benefits. The Land Cruiser is rated at 23 MPG combined — middle of the pack here, despite being the only hybrid. For similar interior space and better fuel economy, Toyota's RAV4 Hybrid or three-row Highlander Hybrid may be better options. Still, if forced to splurge within this segment, the Land Cruiser is the one we'd choose. But given the state of today's bloated midsize SUV market, we'd rather skip it entirely.
Auto Blog
3 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Chevrolet Isn't Going to Like the Nissan Armada Pro-4X's Capability
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Same goal, different approaches Right out of the box, the Nissan Armada Pro-4X is not only vastly improved over the previous Armada but also extremely capable off-road. Nissan gave this latest Pro-4X a big boost in tech, comfort, and powertrain performance, and it shows in every part of the driving experience. In fact, it impressed me so much during testing that I ranked it above the Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro — a tough competitor in this segment. The Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 is a closer, more natural rival. It's built with a similarly rugged body-on-frame setup, offers real off-road hardware, and provides a wide range of factory upgrades. Where Nissan focuses on making the off-road package fully loaded right from the factory, Chevy gives buyers a lot of choice in terms of powertrains, suspension tech, and packages — which can be a blessing or a budget-breaker, depending on how you spec it. By providing your email address, you agree that it may be used pursuant to Arena Group's Privacy Policy. We may receive compensation. As a former owner of a Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Jimmy, I know how tough these traditional SUVs can be. The world may have moved toward crossovers and EVs, but the DNA of these big, body-on-frame rigs hasn't changed: they're still built for towing, hauling, and handling bad roads without complaint. The difference now is that they come packed with far more comfort and tech than the square-bodied trucks of old. Nissan Armada Pro-4X – MSRP: $75,750 2025 Nissan Armada PRO-4X — Source: Nissan Powertrain: 425 hp, twin-turbo 3.5L V6 (516 lb-ft torque) Transmission/Drivetrain: 9-speed automatic, traditional 4×4 with two-speed transfer case Off-Road Hardware: Standard electronic locking rear differential, full-length skid plates, all-terrain tires, and active air suspension with up to 9.6″ of ground clearance Interior Features: 12.3″ fully digital driver display, 14.3″ touchscreen, ProPILOT Assist driver aid suite, premium Klipsch audio system, ambient interior lighting Fuel Economy (EPA est.): 15 mpg city / 18 mpg highway Towing Capacity: Up to 8,500 lbs Cargo Space: 97.1 cu-ft max Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The Pro-4X trim is more than just a cosmetic package — it's the most capable Armada you can buy from the factory. The new twin-turbo V6 is a big leap over the old naturally aspirated V8, with more torque across the rev range and noticeably stronger acceleration. The cabin is a high point too: seating comfort is excellent in all rows, with high-quality materials and better fit-and-finish than before. The trade-off? It's slightly smaller inside than the Tahoe, especially behind the third row, though it makes up for it with richer standard equipment. Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 – MSRP: $72,095 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe — Source: Chevrolet Standard Engine: 355 hp 5.3L V8 (383 lb-ft torque) Optional Engines: 305 hp 3.0L inline-6 turbo-diesel (495 lb-ft) or 420 hp 6.2L V8 (460 lb-ft) Transmission/Drivetrain: 10-speed automatic, off-road tuned suspension, skid plates, recovery hooks Available Hardware: Electronic limited-slip differential, adaptive air suspension, Magnetic Ride Control (requires Off-Road Capable Package +$2,845) Fuel Economy (EPA est.): 15/20 mpg (5.3L V8), 14/18 mpg (6.2L V8), 20/26 mpg (diesel) Towing Capacity: Up to 8,400 lbs Cargo Space: 122.9 cu-ft max Chevy's Z71 package is more modular — buyers can start with a base off-road-ready Tahoe and add options as needed. The available diesel is a standout for those who tow long distances, thanks to its excellent torque and 600-mile range. While the Tahoe's cabin isn't quite as plush as the Nissan's in base form, it's roomy, functional, and easy to configure. Where the Chevy really pulls ahead is in total cargo space — it simply has more room for gear, especially behind the third row. On-road performance The Armada's twin-turbo V6 delivers its power with a strong mid-range surge, making highway passing and steep climbs effortless. It also does a good job balancing performance and refinement, with less vibration and noise than you might expect from a big truck-based SUV. The Tahoe's standard 5.3L V8 is adequate for most needs, but the 6.2L V8 or diesel is the better choice if you're regularly hauling or want more punch. On the road, Chevy's adaptive suspension makes for a smoother, more composed ride, and the availability of Super Cruise — GM's excellent hands-free driving system — gives the Tahoe a big advantage for long-distance cruising. Off-road performance Both SUVs can take a beating off-pavement, but they approach it differently. The Tahoe Z71 with air suspension can reach up to 10″ of ground clearance, slightly edging out the Armada's 9.6″. However, Nissan's suspension feels more flexible over uneven terrain, and the Pro-4X comes with more trail-ready gear standard — including the locking rear diff, which is optional on the Chevy. Chevy's off-road tuning filters out more harshness and feels more composed on rough fire roads, while the Armada's stronger standard engine makes it livelier when powering through loose sand or climbing steep grades. Final thoughts If you want the biggest interior and the most customization options, the Tahoe Z71 is hard to beat — especially with the diesel, which delivers class-leading range and strong towing performance. If you want the best value in standard off-road equipment, richer interior appointments without ticking a lot of option boxes, and a powertrain that outguns most of the competition right out of the gate, the Armada Pro-4X gets my nod. When comparably equipped, the Tahoe's price climbs into the mid-$80Ks, while the Armada stays noticeably lower while offering more included features. Both are strong, capable full-size SUVs, but Nissan's more complete Pro-4X package means you're ready for both the daily commute and the weekend trail run without an extra trip to the options list.
Auto Blog
6 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Toyota Drops Enticing 2025 GR86 Lease Deal For August
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Toyota's iconic enthusiast offering gets a little more enticing to lease The Toyota GR86 is one of the most affordable driver-centric cars currently on the market, and its August lease deal reflects that. For August, qualified shoppers can enjoy Toyota's entry-level sports car for just $465 per month with $3,115 due at signing. The 36-month term allows for 12,000 miles annually, and includes ToyotaCare scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Note that this estimate doesn't include local taxes, fees, and other charges that might impact your payment. 2026 Toyota GR86 Yuzu — Source: Toyota What does a $0 down lease look like on the GR86? We know what a lease looks like with some money down, but what if you don't want to part with your $3,115 when you take your GR86 home? We can spread that figure across the 36-month term for a rough idea of what a Toyota GR86 lease looks like in August with nothing down. It works out to an additional $86.53 on top of the monthly payment, bringing the new total to $551.53. Remember, this figure also excludes taxes and fees, so your payment will probably be higher. Check with your ZIP code on Toyota's website to discover the most current and applicable Toyota GR86 deals and incentives. More about the Toyota GR86 The Toyota GR86 is an approachable sports car that offers high excitement with few frills. The recipe is simple and delicious: a standard six-speed manual transmission, Torsen limited-slip differential, and a Subaru-sourced 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine making 228 horsepower. While you could, theoretically, also get an 86 with an automatic transmission, we think that's kind of missing the point and also costs a little bit of extra dough. That, again, is part of the car's charm, as the Toyota GR86 starts at a meager $30,400. It's also worth mentioning that, at this price point, there is really only one competitor: the Mazda Miata, which has arguably been the definition of 'affordable sports car' for decades. The two share a lot of driving characteristics and offer similar running gear, with base MSRPs only being separated by around $1,000. The Toyota GR86 makes more power but weighs around 400 pounds more. Of course, the Toyota GR86 is also a coupe with a real roof as opposed to the open-top Miata. No bad choices here; just a matter of taste. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Final thoughts While the GR86 isn't really very fast by modern standards, it's one of the most authentic driving experiences available in today's marketplace. That alone makes it worth considering, especially if you're at all concerned with how your car drives. A cramped backseat and trunk make it a dubious choice for those looking to haul additional people or cargo. That said, it makes a great weekend driver, and you could probably cut down the monthly payment by reducing your annual miles, making it a somewhat affordable weekend cruiser (or potentially track toy). Enthusiast-centric cars with a warranty don't get much better — or affordable — than this. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. About the Author Steven Paul View Profile
