Noda will drive the #53 Honda-powered SF23 in all nine Super Formula races this year, taking the place originally occupied by Toshiki Oyu and then Riki Okusa in 2023.
The announcement makes her the first female driver to compete in Japan’s premier single-seater series since Tatiana Calderon, who drove for Drago Corse between 2020-21 but without adding a single point to her name.
Noda, who will turn 18 next month, had already got her first taste of a Super Formula car at the post-season test at Suzuka in December, where she ended up just over two seconds off the pace of the frontrunners.
However, she has never competitively raced in her home country prior to 2024, having spent the entirety of her professional career in Europe.
"I'm happy that I've decided to participate in Super Formula. I'm taking a big step, and I'm feeling a mixture of excitement and anxiety right now," she said.
“It's like a dream to be able to run in the same race as my seniors, who have far less experience, such as top Japanese drivers and foreign drivers who have achieved results in the world and are expected to do well in the future. I hope I can learn a lot, and I want to have fun without fear of failure.”
Source: Autosport