RIO SHIMONO Lights-to-Flag Win Leads All-Female Podium at Kyojo Cup Fuji

October 12, 2025

• RIO SHIMONO delivered a masterclass in wet conditions at Fuji, securing her fifth win of the season with a commanding lights-to-flag performance. Starting from pole after the session was red-flagged due to KOKORO SATO’s crash, Shimono built an insurmountable gap once racing resumed on lap four, showcasing the kind of racecraft that separates championship contenders from the field.
• MIKI ONAGA proved her 2022 championship credentials weren’t a fluke, fighting her way past RAMI SASAKI in a thrilling sector-three battle to claim second place. Meanwhile, SATO bounced back from her qualifying crash to complete an all-female podium – a statement moment that shows women’s racing depth when given proper platforms and recognition.
• The real heartbreak belonged to RAMI SASAKI, who ran a composed race in third position for most of the distance before disaster struck at the final corner of the final lap. Running wide cost her eight positions, dropping from a podium finish to 11th – the kind of cruel motorsports moment that reminds us why we celebrate every success these women achieve in an unforgiving sport.

formula racing, fuji speedway, japanese motorsport, kyojo cup