Kondo Racing defends Jack Doohan after triple crash in Super Formula test

Jack Doohan's Super Formula rookie test with Kondo Racing at Suzuka was marred by three separate crashes at the same corner, capping a difficult period for the Australian driver following his mid-season departure from Alpine's F1 team. Despite the incidents, the Japanese team has publicly backed Doohan's potential and worked to ensure he could complete the test on a positive note.

Why it matters:

For a young driver like Doohan, navigating a career setback and adapting to a new, highly competitive series like Super Formula is a critical test. Public support from a respected team like Kondo Racing after a visibly challenging session can be crucial for rebuilding confidence and securing future opportunities in top-tier motorsport categories outside of Formula 1.

The details:

• All three crashes occurred at the challenging Degner 2 (Turn 9) corner of the Suzuka Circuit during testing for Kondo Racing.
• The first impact was a heavy slam into the barriers, followed by two subsequent head-on crashes at the same spot.
• Despite the crashes, Kondo Racing factory manager Nobuaki Adachi expressed satisfaction with Doohan's performance, citing the driver's potential and the difficult conditions of the Suzuka circuit.
• The team repaired his car after the Friday crash, allowing him to finish the rookie-only session. Doohan set the seventh-fastest time out of 13 drivers.

Looking ahead:

The immediate focus for Doohan will be on analyzing the crashes and making the necessary adjustments for future outings, as highlighted by the team. This test, and the team's reaction to it, serves as a significant data point for his prospects in Super Formula, a series known for being a fierce proving ground and an alternative path for drivers aiming to return to F1.