Information contained in this news release is current as of the date of the press announcement, but may be subject to change without prior notice.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tokyo, March 19, 2018 ---The Japanese Super Formula Championship Series, for which Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. has a promotion partnership agreement with, will commence from April 21.
In 2014, Hitachi Automotive Systems signed a promotion partnership agreement with Japan Race Promotion Inc., which manages the Japanese Super Formula Championship Series. Since then, Hitachi Automotive Systems has continued to renew the agreement, and will continue supporting the Series in 2018. All Super Formula cars taking part in the seven races of the Series will sport the Hitachi logo in recognition of Hitachi Automotive Systems’ role as the event’s sponsor.
In recent years, Super Formula has gained attention from around the world as a racing event, and drivers that have participated in the event have gone on to compete as F1 drivers. During the 2017 Series, motorsports fans both within and outside of Japan were captivated by the many fierce battles among promising young Japanese drivers and experienced drivers from around the world. The heated competition continued through the entire Series, keeping fans in suspense till the very end of the year as to the outcome of the championship.
The Series in 2018 will also see drivers active on the international stage competing in the races, raising expectations amongst fans of high-level race battles. Specifically, drivers are obliged to use two types of tires of differing hardness—medium and soft—for this season. In addition to the drivers’ skills, teamwork and the directions from each team’s racing director will play important roles in deciding the outcome of each race. The introduction of the system requiring two types of tires is expected to make races even more strategic, and is the biggest point to watch for this season.
Moving forward, Hitachi Automotive Systems will continue to use its sponsorship of motorsports, including the Japanese Super Formula Championship Series, to further grow the Hitachi brand and contribute to motorsports.
Start of the opening race of the 2017 season (Suzuka Circuit)
Hitachi logo position
| Round | Date | Location | Circuit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Round | April 21 to 22 | Suzuka, Mie Prefecture |
Suzuka Circuit |
| 2nd Round | May 12 to 13 | Hita, Ooita Prefecture |
Autopolis |
| 3rd Round | May 26 to 27 | Shibata, Miyagi Prefecture |
Sportsland SUGO |
| 4th Round | July 7 to 8 | Suntou, Shizuoka Prefecture |
Fuji International Speedway |
| 5th Round | August 18 to 19 | Haga, Tochigi Prefecture |
Twin Ring Motegi |
| 6th Round | September 8 to 9 | Mimasaka, Okayama Prefecture |
Okayama International Circuit |
| 7th Round | October 27 to 28 | Suzuka, Mie Prefecture |
Suzuka Circuit |
Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company is engaged in the development, manufacture, sales and services of automotive components, transportation related components, industrial machines and systems, and offers a wide range of automotive systems including engine management systems, electric power train systems, drive control systems and car information systems. For more information, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi-automotive.co.jp/en/
