Super Formula turns Suzuka decider into double header

As had been the case in recent years, Suzuka was supposed to both open and close the 2020 Super Formula season, with one race each scheduled at either end of the campaign.

However, the outbreak of coronavirus has affected the Super Formula calendar, with the first three rounds of the season postponed by series promoter JRP.

Although no new dates for the second and third rounds at Fuji and Autopolis have yet been revealed, JRP announced on Tuesday that it will run both Suzuka rounds together on November 13-15, with the two races split across Saturday and Sunday.

This has been made possible by the axing of the Japan round of the World Touring Car Cup (WTCR), which shared a bill as the Super Formula finale in the last two years.

The move marks the return of a tradition in Super Formula, with Suzuka having previously hosted double headers to end the season between 2012-17.

No news was provided about the points system for the fixture, although all Super Formula double headers in the past - whether in the middle of the season or at the end - only award half points. 

However, there may be an exception to this rule this time, given the two races were originally part of different rounds.

Separately, the winner of the final round of the season always bags three bonus points - whether or not the half-points rule applies.

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