TGM Grand Prix has confirmed Juju Noda as its first driver for the 2024 Super Formula series, marking the first time a Japanese woman has contested the championship since its previous incarnation as the All Japan F2000 Championship.
Noda, who is just 17 years of age, also becomes the youngest driver to take part in Japan’s premier single-seater series, seen as one of the closest stepping stones to Formula 1 alongside the likes of Formula 2 and the championship has featured the likes of Liam Lawson, two-time IndyCar Champion Alex Palou and Pierre Gasly in recent years.
The move marks a big change in Noda’s developing career, with her previous single-seater campaigns having all taken place in Europe and she will balance her Japanese campaign in 2024 with competition in the European-based Boss GP series.
Noda is well-versed in making history, with her maiden victory at Paul Ricard in the Euroformula Open series last July marking the first time a female driver had taken to the top step of the podium in the championship.
“I’m happy that I’ve decided to participate in Super Formula,” Noda said.
“I’m taking a big step, and I’m feeling a mixture of excitement and anxiety right now.
“It’s like a dream to be able to run in the same race as my seniors, who have far less experience, such as top Japanese drivers and foreign drivers who have achieved results in the world and are expected to do well in the future.
“I hope I can learn a lot, and I want to have fun without fear of failure.”
The announcement of Noda landing a drive in Super Formula is another important step in increasing female representation in top-level motorsport and the teenage sensation doesn’t take her role lightly.
“I hope that this participation in the competition will lead to a review of the rules to make it more equal for women, as well as dispelling various negative stereotypes,” Noda said.
“If we can create a Super Formula that is in line with the times, where issues such as a gender-equal society and gender issues are attracting attention in today’s society, I believe it will lead to further development of domestic auto racing.
“I will do my best to become a good role model for female racing drivers.”
Noda took part in a Super Formula test with TGM Grand Prix at Suzuka last month, completing close to 200 laps of the iconic circuit and TGM representative Kazuhiro Ikeda said that her strong showing helped land her a drive full-time for this year’s nine-round championship.
“We are very happy to welcome Juju as a regular driver for the 2024 season,” said Ikeda.
“At the official test that took place the other day, she showed a performance that far exceeded our expectations.
“Juju has an extraordinary sense of speed that she has cultivated over the years, and we hope she will step up to Super Formula.
“She has proven that she is fully qualified.
“However, this is where the real battle begins. In order to become a true top driver, Juju herself will need to put in even more effort, including physical training, aggressiveness in racing, technical understanding, and feedback on vehicle balance.
“Of course, we are required to make efforts to further develop Juju’s talent.
“If we can use the experience and data we have cultivated through working with various players to support Juju, we will.
“The results obtained from this will be a great asset for Juju, the team, and the motorsports world.
“We hope that everyone will join us in supporting this dream and the challenges of the future.”
