Super Formula
About KYB EPS
The Japanese Super Formula Championship is a formula racing series held mainly in Japan. It is considered to be one of the top motorsport series in the region. The series is sanctioned by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) and managed by Japan Race Promotion (JRP). As of 2023, Super Formula is the second fastest racing series in the world after Formula One.
All cars in Super Formula 2023 are equipped with KYB Electronic Power Steering (EPS).
Super Formula official website explains the history of the series:
In the 1950s, the Fédération Internationale de L’Automobile (FIA) launched the Drivers’ Championship to find the world’s fastest formula car drivers – the purest form of racing machine. That ethos was passed on to all FIA national member organisations. Top-level formula motor racing has been held in Japan in various forms since 1973, when Formula 2000 was first launched. The competition morphed into Formula Two in 1978 and then Formula 3000 in 1987. Japan Race Promotion, Inc. (JRP) was established in 1995 and continued carrying the competition torch in 1996 under the name of Formula Nippon. In 2013, the name of the competition was changed again to Japanese Championship SUPER FORMULA and a bold plan was implemented to upgrade the race cars and lift the profile of the competition with the clear aim of spreading the appeal of SUPER FORMULA from Japan throughout other parts of Asia. It also had high hopes of transforming the series into a third great open-wheel racing competition to go along with Formula One and Indy Car. The competition’s name was changed again in 2016 to Japanese SUPER FORMULA Championship.
KYB Corporation has a team of dedicated motorsport engineers with a huge amount of experience in developing highly specialised products for use in racing. The demand for cutting edge components in this competitive environment requires world-class precision and quality. KYB EPS systems are widely used in motorsports and particularly in endurance races such as the Le Mans 24 hour race. KYB suspension components are also trusted by a number of motorsport teams across a number of varied racing disciplines.
This is a race support video of Super Formula, which is equipped with KYB’s Electronic Power Steering (EPS). All cars in Super Formula 2023 are equipped with KYB EPS.
Photography cooperation: Super formula, Suzuka Circuit
Transcript for the video:
I am in charge of the EPS, and I enjoy listening directly to the customer’s feelings about the movement of the EPS, making adjustments, and responding to their requests. I think it’s a very fun job to have an idea and set it up, and get an evaluation and response to that setting.
Since it is a race, the power steering is important for the line that the driver wants to run and where they want to overtake. KYB is a company with a long history. In addition to the electric power steering, we also have shock absorbers for both two and four wheels, and I believe that these products have been steadily winning over the trust we have earned through the manufacturing of each component.
I don’t know what the goal is yet, but I think the best thing about this department is that I’m listening to the customer’s opinions and growing together with them.
I love motorsports. I used to watch it, but since I was a child, I’ve been involved in the highest category in Japan, so I think it’s interesting to do that kind of thing.
This formula car weighs only about 700kg, but when it runs at 280km/h or nearly 300km, it takes four times as much G as it does. When you enter the corner from the beginning, it repeats dozens of laps, so it becomes important because it is called power steering.
As far as motorsports and racing are concerned, EPS is now almost the only one in the world. Under such circumstances, it is chosen because of its reliability and achievements.
KYB is a company that will soon be celebrating its 100th anniversary, and we have products in a variety of fields, not just EPS.
It’s the fastest car race in Japan, so it’s attractive that we can contribute.