Haas Return to Fuji for Second TPC Test
Haas Return to Fuji for Second TPC Test as Fukuzumi Gets First F1 Mileage
Haas returned to Fuji Speedway for a two-day Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program, once again opening the gates to fans at the former Japanese Grand Prix venue.
The test marked Haas' second TPC outing at Fuji since launching its technical partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing, giving two of Japan's leading racing talents valuable Formula 1 mileage. Four-time Super GT GT500 champion and 2024 Super Formula champion Sho Tsuboi shared driving duties with 2019 Super GT GT300 champion and current Super Formula racer Nirei Fukuzumi.
For Tsuboi, it was his second appearance behind the wheel of a Haas Formula 1 car, having made his F1 debut during the team's inaugural Fuji test last year. That outing left a strong impression, with Tsuboi lapping within two tenths of a second of the Fuji Speedway qualifying record set by Felipe Massa for Ferrari at the 2008 Japanese Grand Prix, the final Formula 1 race held at the circuit. For Fukuzumi, meanwhile, the two-day test represented his first experience in Formula 1 machinery after building his career through the Super Formula and Super GT championships.
Fuji Speedway's own Formula 1 history adds significance to the event. Set against the backdrop of Mount Fuji, the Toyota-owned circuit hosted the Japanese Grand Prix in 2007 and 2008 before the race returned permanently to Suzuka. Although no longer part of the Formula 1 calendar, Fuji remains one of the few former world championship venues where modern F1 cars continue to run through programs such as Haas' TPC initiative.
As with the team's previous visits to Japan, the event combined valuable track time with fan engagement. Grandstands remained open throughout both days, allowing spectators to watch every lap while enjoying a rare opportunity to see a contemporary Formula 1 car in action away from a grand prix weekend.
What is TPC? (Testing of Previous Cars)
Formula 1 teams operate under strict testing regulations, making opportunities for track time outside of race weekends extremely limited.
To help develop future talent, Haas and Toyota Gazoo Racing launched the TGR Haas Driver Development Program in 2025. One of its key elements is the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program, which allows drivers, engineers, mechanics, and other team personnel to gain valuable experience working with Formula 1 machinery outside the pressures of a race weekend.
Under the regulations, TPC events normally allow teams to run Formula 1 cars that are at least two years old. However, following Formula 1's major technical regulation overhaul in 2026, teams are permitted to use their 2025-specification cars during TPC sessions, including the Haas VF-25.
Beyond driver development, the program also provides engineers, mechanics, and operational staff with additional opportunities to refine procedures, strengthen teamwork, and gain experience in a live Formula 1 environment.
Gallery: Haas at Fuji Speedway
From wet-weather laps to fan activities in the paddock, Haas' latest TPC program at Fuji Speedway offered plenty of memorable moments. These images capture Sho Tsuboi and Nirei Fukuzumi in action, the dramatic setting beneath Mount Fuji, and the enthusiastic crowds that turned out to witness the team's return.
Sho Tsuboi returned for his second outing in Haas colors after making his Formula 1 debut at this event last year, while Nirei Fukuzumi enjoyed his first experience behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car after establishing himself in Japan's Super Formula and Super GT championships.
Away from the circuit, fans had the opportunity to meet Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu and even leave their signatures on one of the team's front wings, while open grandstands ensured spectators could follow every lap throughout the event.
Enjoy our selection of images from Haas' latest Testing of Previous Cars program at Fuji Speedway.
Media courtesy of © 2026 Haas F1 Team. All images are provided through the Haas Media website and remain the property of their respective copyright holders. Images are published for editorial purposes only and are not for sale.
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