IN THE HEADLINES

FUKUZUMI TOPS TEST

Ex-formula 2 racer Nirei Fukuzumi topped last week’s two-day Super Formula test at Fuji. The Honda protege, driving with Dandelion Racing, headed TOM’S Toyota veteran Kazuki Nakajima by 0.192 seconds. The second day featured rain, hampering the newcomers, the best of whom was European Formula 3 racer Alex Palou – sixth with Nakajma Racing. Two-time Macau GP winner Dan Ticktum, who had an off, was 14th in the final order with Team Mugen.

PORSCHE’S NEW BLOOD

Former Le Mans winners Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas have made way for young blood in Porsche’s 24 Hours line-up for next June. Mathieu Jaminet and Dennis Olsen will step in to one of the 911 RSRS run by IMSA team CORE Autosport for their Le Mans debuts alongside Sven Muller, with Nick Tandy, Earl Bamber and Patrick Pilet lining up in the sister car. They will join the Manthey-run WEC cars in Porsche’s attack, with Kevin Estre, Michael Christensen and Laurens Vanthoor in one 911 and Gianmaria Bruni, Richard Lietz and

Frederic Makowiecki in the other.

NATO AGREEMENT

Formula 2 race winner Norman Nato has been named as reserve driver for the Venturi Formula E team for the 2018-19 season. DTM veteran Bruno Spengler and ex-formula Renault 3.5 racer Beitske Visser have similar roles at the Andretti-run BMW operation.

HARDING’S HONDAS

Steinbrenner Harding Racing has made the switch to Honda power for next season’s Indycar Series, reflecting its growing collaboration with Andretti Autosport.

The team, which was with Chevrolet, will run Indy Lights champion Pato O’ward and his 2018 Lights rival Colton Herta.

HYDE PARKS ON STAGE

BTCC podium king Alan Hyde will be the host of the Autosport Stage at next month’s Autosport International at the Birmingham NEC. The popular motorsport radio presenter replaces the late Henry Hopefrost at the January 10-13 event.