Formula two racer Tatiana Calderon has procured a surprise switch to Super Formula, and will eventually become the first female driver to compete in the Western show.
She’ll drive for the Honda-powered Drago Corse squad, which will be currently returning to the grid this year after a brief stint at the championship between 2014-16.
Red Bull Formula 1 junior Juri Vips’ drive in the show has also been verified.
Calderon, who has had a role in Alfa Romeo’s junior set since 2017, finished 22nd in here effort in 2019 with Arden, and has primarily competed in Europe during her career.
“With The ThreeBond Drago Corse participating in the Super Formula series from this calendar year, we conducted an extensive search for a driver and determined by Colombian female motorist Tatiana Calderon,” said team owner Ryo Michigami.
“For this, we’ve fulfilled another of my fantasies for ThreeBond Drago Corse: to constantly strive after new items and make history.
“I want to convey my heartfelt appreciation to ThreeBond Co, Ltd, who gave us this new chance to all who put their efforts into this group.”
Following the manufacturer revealed its Super Formula line-up on Friday in the Tokyo Auto Salon, Calderon is one of a roster of rookies that will race for Honda this year.
The most notable of those would be Red Bull protege Vips, who will tackle a first campaign in the series after making his series debut in the Suzuka name decider this past year.
As he did on his debut the will associate 30-year-old Tomoki Nojiri at Mugen.
Pietro Fittipaldi’s return to the series Super Formula has been confirmed in December, the Brazilian signing up a deal with the B-Max with Motopark team.
Fittipaldi was due to competition the 2018 year but ended up participating in the season opener following his crash at the World Endurance Championship race at Spa where his legs broke.
Western Formula 3 graduate Charles Milesi, who replaces DTM-bound Lucas Auer from the group will join at B-Max him.
Toshiki Oyu will step up from Western F3 after signing a deal to partner Tadasuke Makino at Nakajima Racing.
Oyu takes the area vacated by last year’s standout rookie Alex Palou, who has proceeded to IndyCar this year with Dale Coyne Racing.
There are not many changes in the line-up of the Dandelion team that won last year’s groups’ title.
It’ll continue to field Naoki Yamamoto and Nirei Fukuzumi.
Friday’s announcement made no mention of F2 race winner Nobuharu Matsushita, who was expected after failing to procure the points to acquire a superlicence, to make a switch.
However, the one seat remains vacant in a car Real Racing team.
