Ferrari Challenge Japan: Suzuka Round 1 Guide

The 2026 Ferrari Challenge Japan series starts at Suzuka this weekend, alongside the thrilling Formula 1 sessions. The Japanese single-make series is entering its fourth season this year, with the iconic Suzuka Circuit starting and ending the calendar, featuring twice in 2026. However, if you’re looking for the complete weekend schedule and how to watch the Ferrari Challenge Japan series at Suzuka, then you’ll find everything you’re looking for in this handy race weekend guide!

Full Race Schedule: Suzuka Round 1

The first session of the Ferrari Challenge Japan race weekend is Free Practice, with Qualifying taking place shortly after the practice session. As is the case with all Ferrari Challenge series, the drivers will take part in two races, with both sessions scoring championship points. Typically, Ferrari Challenge drivers participate in two separate qualifying sessions. However, at this moment, only a single qualifying session has been planned for the Suzuka Circuit. With this in mind, the article will be amended to show any schedule modifications made closer to the race weekend.

*All times shown are Local Track Time (JST — Japan Standard Time)

All sessions will be available to watch on the official Ferrari YouTube channel.

The Ferrari Challenge Japan season starts at Suzuka

Although the main focus will be on Formula 1, I'm personally eager for the fourth season of Ferrari Challenge Japan to begin at Suzuka. The complete list of drivers has not yet been released, but some participants like Nobuhiro Imada and Masaru Yoneda have already been confirmed. Both drivers are fresh from racing at the Ferrari Challenge Europe event at Le Castellet, so they will have an advantage over their rivals at Suzuka. To see how well Imada and Yoneda performed, you can find the Ferrari Challenge Europe Le Castellet results here.

This is the first race of the season in Ferrari Challenge Japan, so a good result here doesn’t guarantee the championship. However, with only five race weekends during the 2026 season, the result in Suzuka will play an important role in crowning this year's champion. A strong performance at Suzuka will also lay a solid foundation for the last race of the season, which takes place at the iconic circuit. Meaning, the winner of the opening race of the series will be a hot favourite to win the last.

What else is happening in the Ferrari Challenge series this weekend?

Ferrari Challenge Japan is not the sole Ferrari Challenge event this weekend, with round 2 of the Ferrari Challenge Australasia season also being scheduled. Round 2 takes place at Phillip Island, with the opening round in Bathurst already laying the foundations for an exciting season. Enzo Cheng, Richard Moore, and Rick Armstrong were some of the standout drivers from Bathurst, so I’ll be looking out for them again this weekend!

To get all the information regarding the 2026 Ferrari Challenge Japan season, check out the complete guide here.