READ MORE: From record-breakers to underdog winners – 8 drivers who enjoyed success after leaving F1
Satoshi Motoyama – Jordan, 2003
Motoyama is among the many most profitable drivers in Japanese motorsport historical past, having received Tremendous GT titles in 2003/04 and 2008, and Tremendous Method (then Method Nippon) championships in 1998, 2001, 2003 and 2005.
Motoyama, already in his early 30s, had an outing for Jordan at Suzuka on the finish of 2003, however that led nowhere long-term, whereas equally nothing arose from a post-season check run for Renault. He continued racing in his native Japan into his 50s and solely stepped away from Tremendous GT full-time in 2021.
Ryan Briscoe – Toyota, 2004
Ricardo Zonta fulfilled third driver duties for Toyota in 2004 however when he stepped as much as change Cristiano da Matta mid-season, fellow tester Ryan Briscoe took his position. Briscoe, then the reigning European Method 3 champion, participated in apply periods at six Grands Prix for Toyota, most prominently coming to consideration when a puncture induced a big accident in Belgium.
Briscoe was unable to land a seat in F1 for 2005 and as a substitute diverted Stateside, taking eight IndyCar wins, an Indy 500 pole, and a better of third within the standings. He’s additionally been a dab hand in sportscars, with three Daytona 24 Hours class wins and an total victory in 2020, and extra just lately he joined Prema’s fledgling IndyCar undertaking as its Sporting Advisor.
