APEX RACEWIRE Newsroom
Roman Stanek joins expanded Kondo Racing lineup for 2026 Super Formula season
Formula 2 race winner Roman Stanek will switch to Super Formula in 2026 after completing extended negotiations to drive a third Dallara-Toyota entry for Kondo Racing.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-02-21T08:37:53.000Z - 2 min read
Formula 2 graduate Roman Stanek will compete in Super Formula in 2026 after landing a last-minute drive with Kondo Racing. The Czech racer, who earned a victory during his time in the primary Formula 1 feeder series, has been appointed to pilot an additional third entry for the squad, with the team officially confirming the agreement on Saturday morning.
The deal comes after protracted negotiations between Stanek and the team owned by former driver Masahiko Kondo. Talks surrounding the creation of a third car extended over a significant period as both sides worked to resolve the logistical and contractual requirements necessary to expand the team's footprint on the grid.
By adding Stanek to the roster, Kondo Racing expands its commitment beyond the previously confirmed driver lineup. The Czech driver will operate a third Dallara-Toyota package, giving the team an enlarged presence as it prepares to field three cars in the competitive championship this season.
For Stanek, the move to Japan represents an important transition in his single-seater career following his spell in Formula 2. Having proven his credentials with a race win in F2, the switch provides him with a high-downforce platform to continue his professional development outside the traditional European ladder system.
The timing of the confirmation underlines just how late the opportunity came together for both driver and team. Establishing a third entry shortly before the start of the championship required securing an additional chassis and engine allocation, making Stanek one of the final additions to the 2026 grid.
Kondo Racing's expansion around the Czech driver reinforces Super Formula's status as a key destination for top Formula 2 graduates seeking high-level professional seats. Stanek's inclusion gives the Japanese series another proven race winner from the Formula 1 feeder paddock as teams finalize their operational preparations.
With the contract signed and the third Dallara-Toyota entry confirmed on Saturday, focus now turns to integrating Stanek into the squad's technical structure. The late arrangement ensures that the F2 race winner secures a prominent drive for 2026 as Kondo Racing expands its campaign.