Jack Doohan can't find peace upon his arrival in the Japanese Super Formula. The Australian driver crashed again in Suzuka in less than 24 hours, fueling doubts about his adaptation to a category that will welcome him with high expectations.
The new crash occurred during the second day of testing, when Doohan lost his reference point in the second Degner curve and ended up crashing into the barriers. Despite the frontal impact, he exited under his own power and the car did not sustain structural damage. However, the string of incidents sparked concern within Kondo Racing, the team with which he will face his first full season outside the FIA environment.
This crash came just one day after another, more serious accident, which included a red flag. Back then, he spun in the same sector, one of the most demanding in Suzuka, and destroyed the car he had previously swapped with Teppei Natori. After the crash he avoided making statements to the press, citing "personal reasons."
The Japanese circuit already occupies an uncomfortable place in his history. There, he suffered a heavy crash during the second free practice of the Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix when he was still a starter at Alpine before being replaced by Franco Colapínto. This precedent now resurfaces amid his difficult adaptation to Super Formula.
Despite the turbulent present, Doohan will continue running tomorrow in the last test of December. His arrival in the category is linked to the agreement that is on track to be finalized with Toyota, but his real goal remains focused on Formula 1, even if it is outside the French team.
When does Formula 1 return
After the last race of the year in Abu Dhabi, Formula 1 will go on break until next year. First, there will be a preseason with three testing sessions: one in Barcelona (January 26 to 30) and two in Bahrain (February 11 to 13 and February 18 to 20).
In this regard, the formal calendar of the category will only begin in March with the Australian Grand Prix, which will take place from the 6th to the 8th at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne.
