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O’Sullivan Embarks on Japanese Racing Journey in 2025

In 2025, aspiring race car driver O’Sullivan is set to embrace a new chapter in his career by competing in Japan’s prestigious Super Formula series, representing the Toyota-backed Kondo Racing team.

The Super Formula consists of 12 races, which are organized over seven weekends, running from March to November. This championship is renowned for its high-speed competition and has become a significant platform for drivers aiming to reach the Formula 1 stage.

O’Sullivan regards the Super Formula cars as the closest alternative to Formula 1 vehicles, citing the recent success of Liam Lawson, who finished second in the 2023 Super Formula championship and is now slated to race with Red Bull in Formula 1. This context underscores the competitive nature of the series and its importance in the motorsport landscape.

“For them, it’s their F1 in Japan,” O’Sullivan remarked, highlighting the series’ popularity among fans. “It’s very, very popular with the fans, purely Japanese based, and there are only seven races, all on Japanese circuits, featuring Japanese teams and drivers, with just a couple of exceptions – so it’s going to be a big culture shock for me.”

As he prepares for this new environment, O’Sullivan recognizes the challenges ahead, particularly regarding communication. “I’ve got a lot of learning to do, I’ve got to work on my communication in Japanese. I’m really looking forward to it,” he noted.

O’Sullivan’s journey through the ranks, including time spent in Formula 3 and Formula 2, has been anything but straightforward, but his ambition to reach Formula 1 remains unwavering. “Obviously, I’m still pushing for that,” he stated, reaffirming his dedication to the sport.

He views his upcoming participation in the Super Formula as a significant opportunity. “This is a good start for me. There’s potential for a career in Japan if I do a good job this year, but hopefully, some more doors will open, and I can keep my foot in as many doors as I can to give myself some opportunities,” O’Sullivan explained, reflecting a forward-looking mindset as he steps into this exciting new phase of his racing career.

Source
www.bbc.com