RIO SHIMONO Becomes First Woman to Win FR Japan Since MIKI KOYAMA in 2022

September 1, 2026

• RIO SHIMONO delivered a dominant maiden FR Japan victory at Sugo, becoming the first woman to win since MIKI KOYAMA’s 2022 title campaign. She controlled race one in mixed conditions, consistently lapping over a second faster than Toyota junior Kento Omiya.
• SHIMONO showcased speed in qualifying by snatching double pole position with two blistering late laps, outpacing Omiya who had led the wet Q1 session. Her pace advantage carried into race one where she pulled clear on the drying track.
• Race two saw SHIMONO recover from eighth to fifth after restart delays and red flag interruptions due to crashes. Only half points were awarded after just 14 laps completed in treacherous conditions, with Omiya taking his fourth seasonal victory.
• SHIMONO salvaged fourth in race three after avoiding a Turn 2 incident that forced her onto grass from pole. Omiya’s five-second penalty for contact with Yuzuki Miura promoted her position in a chaotic finale featuring safety cars and spins.

formula regional japanese championship, sugo circuit, toyota racing