Red Bull Formula 1 junior Juri Vips says he has not yet given up on competing in Super Formula this season in spite of ongoing restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Japan has imposed tight restrictions on international arrivals entering the country amid the pandemic, which has complicated Vips’ plans.
The Estonian driver was originally signed up to compete the full season with Team Mugen but he did not to travel to Japan for the opening round of the campaign.
He will also miss the next event, which clashes with Formula 2’s round in Russia, after DAMS confirmed that he would remain with the squad for the upcoming races.
Vips stepped up to Formula 2 for the last three rounds in the wake of regular racer Sean Gelael sustaining a back injury.
Vips confirmed that he still pushing to gain entry into Japan and complete his Super Formula programme, with the Estonian government assisting his efforts.
“We’re still actively trying to get to Japan as we speak,” Vips said.
“The problem is Japan doesn’t issue visas since the end of March, so we’ve basically contacted the Estonian government, contacted everybody we can to try and force some sort of special permit, but at the moment, with no success.
“But a really massive thanks to the Estonian government because they wrote a really, really nice letter to Japan but still, unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for the visa.
“We’re still trying to go there, it’s the number one programme that I should do this year.”
Vips also indicated that his stint in the Formula Regional European Championship has come to an end after six races, stating “it doesn’t look really likely that I’m going to continue” in 2020.
