MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Set for Japanese TPC Test

MoneyGram Haas F1 Team will head to Japan and the famed Fuji Speedway next month as part of its TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) program. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and MoneyGram Haas F1 Team reserve driver, Ryō Hirakawa, will run the VF-23 on Wednesday August 6, with fellow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing driver Sho Tsuboi – making his Formula 1 debut the following day on Thursday August 7.

Hirakawa (31) continues to build his track experience with MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. Following a test outing in the VF-24 in Abu Dhabi at the end of 2024, Hirakawa has completed FP1 grand prix practice outings this season driving the VF-25 in Bahrain and Spain – with further FP1 runs to follow in Mexico and Abu Dhabi. Hirakawa, who competes for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship, also has seat time wheeling the VF-23 having completed a TPC run at Silverstone, England in April.

For Tsuboi (30), August’s TPC program will mark the first time the Japanese racer tests Formula 1 machinery. Tsuboi currently competes for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in Japan’s Super Formula Championship and Super GT Series – of which he’s a three-time GT500 champion. Winner of last year’s Super Formula Championship, Tsuboi sits third in this year’s series – his 2025 season including a victory last time out at the Autopolis International Racing Course.

Sitting in the foothills of the renowned Mount Fuji, the Toyota owned Fuji Speedway is a 4.563km (2.835-mile) 17-turn FIA Grade 1 licensed circuit – which last hosted the Japanese Grand Prix back in 2008. The TPC running will be open for members of the public to attend both days.

“I’m naturally very excited that in our first season running the team’s TPC program we’re able to enjoy two days running at Fuji Speedway in Japan,” said Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. “The significance of running our car at Toyota’s home circuit – where we first announced our partnership with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing last October, it’s quite special. To then give Sho Tsuboi his first outing in a Formula 1 car is equally satisfying considering his pedigree as a multiple champion. We’re obviously already familiar with Ryō’s talents and we look forward to his continued feedback into our program. The fact that we’re running the VF-23 and the test is open to fans – that’s a great thing too. We know the passion Japanese fans have for Formula 1, so to get a second run in the country there this year after April’s Japanese Grand Prix is fantastic.”

“I’m very pleased that this TPC is being held at Fuji Speedway,” remarked Masaya Kaji, Director of TGR Global Motorsport. “We’ve formed a technical partnership aimed at honing the three essential elements of car manufacturing - ‘People, Pipeline and Product’. This TPC is part of our efforts related to ‘People’, which focuses on developing human resources. I believe that Sho’s challenge, given his experience as a champion of the Super Formula series, will not only contribute to his own skill development but also provide valuable motivation for the other TGR drivers.

“Additionally, Toyota Motor Corporation's mechanics and engineers will be present, making this a valuable learning opportunity for them as well. Experiencing the technologies and skills required on the world's highest stage of F1, up close, will surely be a significant experience for their growth. Together with the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, we aim not only to promote the growth of each driver, engineer, and mechanic through such challenges but also to enhance their technical skills. We believe that the experiences gained will be passed down to the next generation, contributing to the overall improvement of competition and technology levels in the motorsports industry.”