The news that Giuliano Alesi is stepping down from his TOM’S Super Formula drive was both surprising and unsurprising in equal measure. Few expected he would survive beyond the end of 2023 with his current form, but equally a mid-season change of drivers didn’t seem to be on the cards either until Tuesday’s bombshell press release landed.
But, with two-time race winner Ukyo Sasahara taking over at the cockpit of the #36 car from this week’s in-season test at Fuji Speedway, TOM’S has undoubtedly made the right choice, and even deserves admiration for its ruthless pragmatism.
