Antonelli and Bearman will join the Super Formula test

Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman will participate in next week's Super Formula test at Suzuka to assist learn the track.

With next 12 months's Japanese Grand Prix being the third race of the season after Australia and China, any knowledge they will gain in regards to the venue will probably be an enormous advantage to them of their debut seasons.

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And while one method to gain experience could be to check a previous F1 automotive, the logistical complications and costs involved don't make much sense.

Instead, each drivers have been cleared for next week's official Super Formula test, which can happen on the Suzuka Circuit from December 11-13.

Bearman will probably be available from the beginning because, having competed in three grands prix this 12 months, he can not be a rookie when F1 testing in Abu Dhabi takes place next Tuesday.

Instead, Haas will start with 2025 driver Esteban Ocon and Toyota development driver Ryo Hirakawa.

However, Antonelli is not going to start in Suzuka until Friday, as he’ll ride within the tire test in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

He will ride alongside George Russell on Tuesday's run, together with his teammate serving because the designated tire tester. He will then fly to Japan to run for office on the ultimate day of the campaign.

Super Formula has not yet announced the teams with which Antonelli and Bearman will participate within the Suzuka test.

Bearman's plan for FP1

Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

Photo: Lubomir Asenov / Motorsport Images

Bearman was originally scheduled to compete in his first training session for Haas in Abu Dhabi to further gain experience before graduating full-time next 12 months.

However, team principal Ayao Komatsu said the team has modified plans on that front because of the very tight battle it’s in with Alpine for sixth place within the Constructors' Championship. Both teams are separated by just five points before the ultimate round.

Speaking in regards to the decision, Komatsu said: “Oliver was speculated to lead the primary training session here, but after all he had two races with us – in Baku after which at Interlagos.

“Then this weekend we just knew it [the constructors’ championship fight] I used to be going to go all the way in which right down to the wire. So for me it didn't make sense to rent someone only for the primary training session – even someone who was good and was our future.

“We just wanted this weekend to be as consistent as possible, so whoever started the first practice should race.”

The news of Bearman joining Suzuki testing comes after Haas signed a technical partnership with Toyota in October. The Japanese manufacturer is one in every of two engine suppliers in Super Formula and employs many factory drivers for the series through its affiliated teams.