Red Bull-junior tested this week in Japan: "Would like to visit my family"

"It was good to be back at the wheel after a long break", Vips says at Speedweek.com. Physically it was quite a challenge for him. "My neck can confirm I did a good 200 laps, that was damn heavy. Of course I would have stayed fit in the winter, but nothing can replace the real driving".

Globally, the whole sports world is at a standstill because of the coronavirus. Still, there are some countries that still have sports events to take place, including Japan. The test of the Super Formula was held behind closed doors in Fuji on 24 and 25 March.

Vips stays in Japan for the time being

"I'm very happy with how the test went," continues Vips. "As always with tests, the results don't show the whole picture. It's still not easy for me to warm up the tyres. Only then can you get the best out of the rubber in a single, fast lap. I enjoyed this test."

The culture in Asian countries is very different and Pierre Gasly and Stoffel Vandoorne can talk about that. "By 2020, I have a new racing engineer, a Canadian. That will make communication a bit easier", says the talented 19-year-old driver. "I'm getting more and more used to Japanese culture. Another test is planned for April 3 and 4, and then I think I will stay in Japan until we can race again. Of course I would like to go to Estonia to visit my family, but I don't know if I would get out of the country again in the current situation. And I don't want to miss a race", concludes Vips...