Reynard stamps authority on Formula Nippon

The only other manufacturer represented on the grid will be G-Force, entering two cars with Nova engineering.

Changes for this year include new rear wing regulations, designed to cut aerodynamic downforce in relation to mechanical grip - this should cut speed and aid overtaking. Last season, a stepped floor was introduced and other changes were needed to meet new FIA safety rules.

Reynard's grasp of the new rules led to a particularly strong season for the UK company's cars. Tom Coronel won the championship in Nakajima Planning's Reynard 99L. The new Reynard 2KL is a revised version of this championship winning car with a new aerodynamic package and many minor improvements.

At the recent Motegi pre-season test, the cars appeared to have lost none of their speed or reliability. The tests indicate former F1 driver Toranosuke Takagi will be Reynard's strongest title challenger. The Japanese driver has contested several seasons of Formula Nippon in the past, but despite his speed has never had the consistency to win regularly.

Alan Smith, the chief engineer of Reynard's FNippon programme, is confident the marque can win in 2000. "Pre-season testing has been very productive for us," he claimed. "It's good to be out on track with the Reynard teams. We're anticipating a strong showing from them and our new aerodynamic package for this year should help us to keep ahead of our competitors. Of course, the first race on Sunday at the Suzuka Grand Prix circuit will be the first real test for us and I hope we will be celebrating."