It was a mixed 2024 F2 debut season for Ritomo Miyata, who ended the season 19th with 31 points. Despite his season best being double P5 finishes in Melbourne, the 2023 Super Formula champion’s efforts proved enough to secure Miyata a new contract with ART Grand Prix for the 2025 F2 season. Miyata will line up alongside former Alpine Academy driver Victor Martins, who continues with the team.
Miyata concentrating on F2 in 2025
At a media event attended by Pit Debrief, the Japanese driver discussed the hardships of his first season racing outside his hope nation.
“Yeah, last season it was the first outside of Japan for me. That means a big difference. Everything, I mean, language and then how to work with team and how to spend time in the race weekend. Especially F2 is, you know, same race weekend as Formula 1. So that means big, bigger event for me.”
2024 was an exceptionally busy year for Miyata who also served as the reserve driver for Toyota in the World Endurance Champion, and raced with Cool Racing in the European Le Mans series. 2025, however, will be less intense for Miyata, who has opted to focus solely on F2.
“But yeah, this season I only do F2. That means I can more focus to my career and also, I can do more preparation with team and for the race. So yeah, this is more exciting.”
Miyata excited for 2025 F2 season after challenging 2024
Miyata is also excited to return to tracks with the experience and knowledge gained throughout his first season in the championship, as he believes it will allow him to be more performant, especially in comparison with debuting drivers.
“Yeah, for me, I’d like to say big difference compared to other rookie drivers because last season, every time, first time on track, and also Pirelli tyres first time for me. So, every race was like, for me, new.”
“Never good work from my experience; so last season, every time running, and then even in Quali, I was still running. And then in both races, I can feel like better. “
“But you know, that means very difficult to compare to other rookies. But this season, I have experience from last season, so I can more feel confident and I can push more. So I’m looking forward to this season.”
TPC outing with Haas “a really amazing opportunity”
Through his partnership with Toyota, Miyata had the opportunity to test an F1 car during a private testing session with Haas. In Jerez, he took turns behind the wheel of the VF-23 with full-time drivers Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman.
“Yeah, you know I drove the F1 Haas TPC. It was a really good opportunity and at first, I want to thank the Haas and the TGR because they gave me a really amazing opportunity. Yeah, it was really good, and I can feel more confident about my driving and my experience.”
“So that was, yeah, really good for me,” added the young talent, who appeared extremely pleased about the opportunity.
