Back in 2013, Autosport compiled a list of the 50 greatest drivers never to have raced in F1. Just one Japanese driver made the grade, and that was Satoshi Motoyama, who at No. 27 ranked ahead of some illustrious names, including the late Gonzalo Rodriguez, 1999 Indianapolis 500 winner Kenny Brack, multiple GT champion Christophe Bouchut and Le Mans ace Andre Lotterer (prior to his one-off F1 outing at Spa in 2014).
Motoyama is best known for his feats in his native Japan, becoming champion in what was then known as Formula Nippon four times - a modern-era record - and racking up another three titles in JGTC/Super GT in a career that earned him the nickname ‘The Emperor’.
