TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Formula One driver Yuki Tsunoda expressed excitement Wednesday about debuting for Red Bull on home soil at this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, saying he "couldn't be in a better situation."

Red Bull promoted the 24-year-old from its secondary Racing Bulls team, swapping him with New Zealand driver Liam Lawson, in the lead-up to Sunday's race at Suzuka International Racing Course in central Japan's Mie Prefecture.

Tsunoda's promotion to the elite outfit, teaming him with four-time defending world champion Max Verstappen, puts the Japanese driver under an intense spotlight for his home race, but he had no second thoughts about making the move.

"In life, opportunities like this don't come around often, so I immediately decided to join," Tsunoda said at a press conference in Tokyo.

After driving for Racing Bulls in the first two rounds of the season, Tsunoda has had little time to become accustomed to his new car.

"I'm still not sure I can perform well in this car," he said. "I think the important thing is how well I can understand the car and get the most out of it in the limited time I have."

Despite the challenges, he is thrilled about the prospect about racing on his home track for a team determined to regain the world constructors' championships after winning two of the last three.

"I couldn't be in a better situation," he said. "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, so I want to enjoy it."