Doohan defended by team after third crash at Suzuka test

Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan suffered three consecutive crashes at the same corner during a Super Formula test at Suzuka, but the Kondo Racing team has publicly defended the young Australian, emphasizing his potential and the circuit's difficulty. The team worked to repair his car after the final incident to ensure he could complete the test and leave with a positive impression.

Why it matters:

For a young driver like Doohan, who is aiming to secure a full-time Super Formula seat for 2026, a public test littered with crashes could be a significant setback. The team's immediate and supportive defense is crucial for his confidence and public perception, signaling that they see his underlying speed and are committed to his development despite the visible errors.

The details:

• Doohan crashed at the challenging Degner section (Turns 8 and 9) on three consecutive days of the test, making contact with the wall each time.
• Kondo Racing factory manager Nobuaki Adachi stated that both Doohan and fellow tester Luke Browning "performed very well," attributing the crashes to the difficult conditions.
• After the third crash on Friday morning, the team repaired the car in time for Doohan to run in the afternoon session. Adachi called it "heartbreaking" to think he might not finish the test and wanted to ensure he didn't leave with a bad impression.
• Doohan improved his time in the afternoon, setting a 1:38.350s, though he remained roughly 1.5 seconds off the pace of the day's fastest rookie.

What's next:

Doohan is widely expected to join Kondo Racing for the 2026 Super Formula season alongside Luke Browning, filling seats vacated by Kenta Yamashita and Zak O'Sullivan. This test, despite its dramatic moments, appears to be part of his integration into the team, with management focused on his long-term adaptation to one of the world's most demanding circuits.