Ex-Formula 1 drivers Sato and Nakajima test new Super Formula car
Super Formula's new-for-2019 car was demonstrated by ex-Formula 1 drivers Takuma Sato and Kazuki Nakajima ahead of Sunday's Suzuka season finale
IndyCar racer Sato - who made a handful of Super Formula appearances in 2012 and '13 - was at the wheel of a Honda-powered SF19 development machine.
Nakajima, an SF regular with TOM'S alongside his Toyota World Endurance Championship campaign, piloted the Toyota-powered version.
The pair completed four laps in the Dallara-built cars that will replace the outgoing SF14 on Sunday morning.
Series organisers confirmed on Friday that the new car will use the halo cockpit protection device that has become standard in F1 and its feeder categories.
Although Sato never raced the SF14 car, he had tested it ahead of its introduction four years ago, and said that the SF19 felt "very different" to its predecessor.
"There was a lot of downforce," the 41-year-old said. "It has power steering which was hard for me to get used to [IndyCar doesn't have it], but it was very enjoyable to drive.
"I didn't realise the car's full potential, but I pushed a little harder on the second and third laps."
After the test, Naoki Yamamoto narrowly beat Nick Cassidy to the 2018 title in the season finale, becoming the last Super Formula champion with the current car.
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| Series | General |
| Author | Tomohiro Yoshita |
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