The return of iconic Tasman Series will welcome an impressive international contingent with two overseas drivers confirmed to contest the series. 

Former Formula 1 driver Roberto Merhi of Spain and Japanese GT racer Yoshiaki Katayama will contest the two-round series, which officially returns after more than 45 years.
 
The duo will form part of a three-car Team BRM charge for the series with inaugural S5000 Australian Drivers Champion Joey Mawson confirmed as the third member of outfit. 
 
While there was plenty of international interest in the series, the inbound travel restrictions into Australia made it difficult for any driver to commit. 
 
However with quarantining requirements for incoming travellers recently easing, Merhi and Katayama were able to secure their visa just in time and organise their arrival with the help of Alabar and Form 700. 
 
“The return of the Tasman Series only increased interest from Australia, New Zealand and further overseas and there is no doubt we would have had several more drivers from here, across the Tasman and further abroad had the situation been different,” S5000 Category Development Manager Chris Lambden said. 
 
"Several Queensland-based competitors and New Zealand drivers were unable to compete, however it is incredible to be able to confirm that, despite the challenges, we have still been able to secure a couple of true internationals in Roberto and Yoshi to join the Alabar/Form 700 Team. 
 
"Six weeks ago, it seemed like Mission Impossible, however the ‘opening up’ of NSW, particularly the relaxing of quarantine requirements, meant we could realistically start over. It has required special travel exemptions on top of normal ‘Sports-related’ visas and it has been a huge logistical challenge from all involved, but well worth it. 
 
“So, the first S5000 Tasman Series is going to have an international feel, and it’s another hugely positive step forward for the category.” 
 
The two internationals enter the fray with plenty of open-wheel experience. 


For Merhi, the 30-year-old reached the pinnacle of motorsport, having raced for the Manor Marussia Formula One team during the 2015 FIA Formula One World Championship. 
 
Prior to that, he won the Formula 3 EuroSeries and FIA F3 International Trophy in 2011, while finishing third in the 2014 Formula Renault 3.5 Series. 
 
Following his sole year in Formula 1, he moved to sports car racing, and contested Asian Le Mans and European Le Mans.  
 
 “I have been watching S5000 from a distance and did see one testing when I was here for the Asian Le Mans Series race at The Bend last year, so I can’t wait to get to Sydney for the first round,” Merhi said. 
  
“And Bathurst… we’ve seen the Bathurst 1000 many times on TV, so to drive a powerful open-wheeler like the Alabar/Form700 car around there will be pretty interesting, to say the least.” 
 
Katayama on the other hand doesn’t have as much experience in Europe compared to his Spanish teammate, but has enjoyed lots of success at a national level. 

The 27-year-old’s highlights include the 2016 All-Japan Formula 3 Championship National Class title and sixth in the 2020 Super Formula Lights series. 
 
"I’m very excited about my first drive in the S5000 car; my first visit to Australia and my first race at both those tracks – especially Bathurst, which will be amazing,” Katayama explained. 

“I’ve been wanting to drive an S5000 since I first saw them on YouTube. 
 
"I’d like to thank Alabar and Form 700 for the opportunity to come to Australia, and Team BRM, and hope we can achieve a great result to show Japan that there is such a fun race formula in Australia. 
 
“We will work together, as a team, to try to win the series.” 
 
The S5000 Tasman Series gets underway this weekend as part of the Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight at Sydney Motorsport Park. 
 
Competitors will have a pre-event testing under lights on Thursday night, followed by Friday’s practice and qualifying, which sets up the three official races over Saturday and Sunday.