Forgotten Formula 1 Friday drivers: Whatever happened to these FP1 guest runners?

READ MORE: From record-breakers to underdog winners – 8 drivers who enjoyed success after leaving F1

Satoshi Motoyama – Jordan, 2003

Motoyama is among the most successful drivers in Japanese motorsport history, having won Super GT titles in 2003/04 and 2008, and Super Formula (then Formula Nippon) championships in 1998, 2001, 2003 and 2005.

Motoyama, already in his early 30s, had an outing for Jordan at Suzuka at the end of 2003, but that led nowhere long-term, while similarly nothing arose from a post-season test run for Renault. He continued racing in his native Japan into his 50s and only stepped away from Super GT full-time in 2021.

Ryan Briscoe – Toyota, 2004

Ricardo Zonta fulfilled third driver duties for Toyota in 2004 but when he stepped up to replace Cristiano da Matta mid-season, fellow tester Ryan Briscoe took his role. Briscoe, then the reigning European Formula 3 champion, participated in practice sessions at six Grands Prix for Toyota, most prominently coming to attention when a puncture caused a large accident in Belgium.

Briscoe was unable to land a seat in F1 for 2005 and instead diverted Stateside, taking eight IndyCar wins, an Indy 500 pole, and a best of third in the standings. He’s also been a dab hand in sportscars, with three Daytona 24 Hours class wins and an overall victory in 2020, and more recently he joined Prema’s fledgling IndyCar project as its Sporting Advisor.