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The son of one-time Formula 1 grand prix winner Jarno is focusing on Japan’s second-tier single-seater series for his third season in car racing after becoming a part of the Toyota-aligned TOM’S squad’s four-car line-up.
He was signed up following a private test at Fuji Speedway in January, and then got further mileage in this month’s pre-season test at Suzuka, where he was sixth-fastest across the two days, just over three tenths off the pace set by team-mate Hibiki Taira.
Revealing he had originally planned to race in Japan last year, Trulli said the different philosophy of the Dallara 320 used in Super Formula Lights suits him better than the more powerful FIA F3 car he raced last year.
“Last year was difficult for me,” the 17-year-old told Motorsport.com. “Japan is one of the best places for racing, because they take it so seriously. I feel really good here.
“In fact, we already planned to come here last year, but the country was still closed because of CO …